Senior/Principal Scientist, Assay Development and Cellular Pharmacology

Scorpion Therapeutics is a precision oncology company founded in February 2020 by a preeminent group of scientists from Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital – Keith Flaherty, M.D., Gaddy Getz, Ph.D. and Liron Bar-Peled, Ph.D. Scorpion has secured $270 million in financing since it was founded in the first quarter of 2020 with Series A and B rounds led by Atlas Venture, Omega Funds, Vida Venture, with participation by Abingworth, Partners Health Care, and others.

Scorpion Therapeutics’ mission is to serve oncology patients by discovering and developing best-in-class and first-in-class small molecule cancer medicines that address large patient segments with significant unmet medical needs. To accomplish this mission, we are building a highly collaborative team focused on the pursuit of novel approaches to small molecule drug discovery. This approach relies upon dynamic collaboration between cancer biology, proteomics, informatics, structural biology and medicinal chemistry – with the ultimate goal of realizing the full potential of targeted/precision oncology.

We are seeking a highly driven Senior Scientist to join our dynamic drug discovery team in South San Francisco. The successful candidate will be a proven expert in the design, development and execution of biochemical and cellular, activity and binding assays. This role will contribute to the growth of Scorpion Therapeutics’ research portfolio by developing assay strategies to advance the discovery of novel precision oncology therapies. This position is ideal for a talented, highly motivated and results driven individual who will thrive in a fast-paced, innovative, start-up environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contributes to the design of in vitro pharmacology strategies in support of drug discovery projects to determine potency and selectivity of small molecules to understand their SAR and mechanism of action.
• Translate proof-of-concept assays into high-quality, microtiter plate-based biochemical & cellular assays that have been optimized & validated to meet predefined standards of performance.
• Develop sensitive robust biochemical and cell-based assays, troubleshooting experimental design, optimization of assay sensitivity.
• Contribute to conversion of assays into miniaturized high-throughput (HTS) format.
• May manage external FTEs and troubleshoots methods at CROs.
• Initiate investigation of new experimental approaches to a wide range of problems using scientific theory and technical literature.
• QC and analyze data & document all findings & discoveries in an electronic lab notebook in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in new target biology, chemical biology, informatics, structural biology and medicinal chemistry to advance programs from early hit-finding and help prioritize projects for advancement into lead optimization.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners within Scorpion to define and develop screening cascades for Scorpion Therapeutics’ novel targets.
• Proactively communicate strategy, critical issues and recommendations to enable appropriate resource decisions.
• Maintain excellent communication across internal and external colleagues.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biology, biophysics or a related field with 3+ years of industry experience.
• A deep and broad understanding of the development, validation & execution of a wide array of binding & functional activity-based assays such as AlphaScreen, TR-FRET, HTRF, ELISA, Nano BRET, FP, etc.
• High technical proficiency in implementing protocols for multi-modal plate readers (e.g., Envision, Neo, Pherastar), liquid handlers (e.g., Multidrop, acoustic dispensers, digital dispensers) & other automated laboratory equipment (e.g., stackers/plate hotels, robotic arms, incubators, etc.).
• Expertise in handling, analyzing and visualizing large data sets coming out of screening assays.
• A strong record of achievement, including contributing to drug discovery programs and publications in high-impact journals.
• Commitment to the highest-quality research with outstanding organizational abilities and scientific execution.
• A highly engaged self-starter with the desire to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment, with both a collaborative and goal/results-orientated style.
• Outstanding decision making, organizational and analytical skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Scorpion Therapeutics Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer who strives to create and maintain a diverse working environment. We do not discriminate for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Beginning October 13, 2021, Scorpion Therapeutics requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are unable to receive the vaccine due to a disability or serious medical condition, or because of your sincerely held religious beliefs, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.