Research Associate I/II
- Employer
- 4D Molecular Therapeutics
- Location
- Emeryville, CA
- Start date
- Jul 23, 2021
View more
- Discipline
- Regulatory, Research/Documentation, Science/R&D, Research
- Required Education
- Bachelors Degree
- Position Type
- Full time
- Hotbed
- Biotech Bay
Job Details
4DMT is focused on attracting and retaining the best people in the industry who identify with our mission and innovative results-driven approach. We offer an inspiring and collaborative environment that encourages individual contributions, recognizes performance in multiple ways, offers competitive salary and benefits, and provides challenging opportunities for career development. 4D Molecular Therapeutics is located in Emeryville, CA.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
A Senior Research Associate role in the Human Cell and Disease Modeling group at 4DMT supports preclinical in vitro pharmacology work for AAV gene therapy candidates to treat various diseases. The role allows for extensive creativity, innovation, and opportunity to generate multiple cell systems and develop novel disease models to examine tropism, function, and characteristics of AAV gene therapy vectors. An SRA works closely with HCDM team members and peers in other R&D departments to exchange scientific ideas, improve protocols and generate valuable data to drive 4DMT towards its goals. They will participate in cross-functional meetings and present data in various company settings.
Responsibilities
- Lab Activities: 80%
- Stem cell and cell culture maintenance and reprogramming
- Optimization of cell differentiation protocols in 2D and 3D culture systems
- Ability to aid in experimental design to characterize cell models and determine tropism of AAV capsids
- Assist in the development of functional assays to determine the efficacy of lead AAV vectors
- Ability to review literature to aid in assay development and understand biology of cells and diseases of interest (10% of Lab Activities)
- Draft study designs, protocols, differentiation paradigms and maintain an electronic lab notebook Cross Functional/Communication: 20%
- Engage in HCDM study design for various programs
- Contribute scientific ideas and knowledge in departmental and cross-functional team meetings
- Contribute to slide generation for internal and external data presentations
- Help compile data and write methods and results sections for IND preclinical pharmacology reports
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, preferably Cell Biology Experience:
- 2+ years of experience within Biotech or similar industry
- 2+ years of cell culture experience
- 1+ years of stem cell culture maintenance is a plus
- Cell differentiation protocol development Skills:
- Cell culture experience: adherent, suspension, 3D
- Immunocytochemisty and microscopy
- Western blot and flow cytometry
- Stem cell culture, maintenance, freezing, and passaging is a plus
- Ability to assist in differentiation of stem cells into various cell types
- Can collaborate and work in a team of scientists, research associates, and program managers
- Strong written and oral communication skills with some experience in presenting scientific information
- Effective time management and organizational skills, with ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a high-growth, fast-paced environment
- Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize
- Problem-solving, analytical skills, attention to detail, and creativity
- Experience in supporting scientific initiatives
- Ability to be part of a team and uphold 4DMT Guiding Principles Physical Requirements of the Role:
- Lifting no more than 20 lbs to help put away supplies
- Ability to sit and work at a cell culture laminar flow hood and at a microscope for several hours at a time
- During COVID-19, this person needs to be in a lab at least four times a week and adhere to 4DMT Covid protocols and policy
4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Company
4DMT is a gene therapy company with a transformative discovery platform --Therapeutic Vector Evolution --that enables our “disease first” approach to product discovery and development, thereby allowing us to customize our AAV vectors to target specific tissue types associated with the underlying disease.
At 4DMT we are creating and developing optimized “biopharmaceutical grade” AAV vectors that will allow us uniquely to unlock the full potential of gene therapy. Our customized and proprietary AAV vectors are each designed, according to a 4DMT Target Vector Profile, to deliver genes to specific cells and tissues in the body to eradicate both rare and large market diseases.
While AAV gene therapy pioneers are making great strides with the first wave of products, hurdles still exist with the use of conventional vectors. The most commonly used AAV capsids (e.g., AAV2, 5, 8 and 9) were identified either 1) as contaminants in lab stocks of adenovirus, or 2) through monkey tissue processing. Therefore, these conventional vectors are not targeted specifically to any tissue in the body. This can lead to inefficient and non-specific delivery, thus requiring extremely high doses and potentially resulting in toxicities (including inflammation), high manufacturing burdens and suboptimal efficacy. In addition, suboptimal routes of delivery can be required for delivery to the right tissues (e.g., subretinal delivery to the retina). Finally, pre-existing neutralizing antibodies in many patients can limit efficacy, clinical trial enrollment and market sizes. 4DMT Innovation empowers us to create new and improved next generation AAV capsids to allow targeted delivery of our products by the optimal clinical route of administration.
At 4DMT we use our robust discovery platform, termed “Therapeutic Vector Evolution,” to create customized and proprietary gene delivery vehicles (novel AAV vectors) to deliver genes to specific tissues and cells in the body by the optimal route of administration. We use the power of evolution to create and refine these optimized vectors through genetic diversification and then natural selection in vivo.
4D Purpose Statement: Boldly Innovating to Unlock the Full Potential of Gene Therapy for Countless Patients
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Dare to Cure - Patients are waiting. Create big dreams for patients and take calculated risks to achieve them
- Break Boundaries - Question the status quo and innovate beyond conventional approaches
- Beyond Yourself - It's about patients, their families, our team, our families. We strengthen each other.
- Prepare and Execute Relentlessly - Start with the end in mind, over-prepare and make contingency plans to your contingency plans
We invite all of you who share our passion and vision in creating the ultimate gene therapy products to cure genetic and rare diseases in children and adults. We seek the best people in the industry who identify with our mission and innovative results-driven approach. We offer an inspiring and collaborative environment that encourages individual contributions, recognizes performance in multiple ways, offers generous benefits and provides challenging opportunities for career development.
- Website
- http://www.4dmoleculartherapeutics.com/
- Phone
- 510-505-2680
- Location
-
5858 Horton St. Suite 455
Emeryville
California
94608
United States
Get job alerts
Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.
Create alert