Scientist/Senior Scientist, Structural Biology

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, MD, Gaddy Getz, Ph.D. and Liron Bar-Peled, Ph.D. The company has raised $270M in Series A and Series B financings led by blue-chip investors, including Atlas Venture, Boxer Capital of Tavistock Group, EcoR1 Capital, LLC, Omega Funds, and Vida Venture.

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 motivated Scientist/Senior Scientist with a deep understanding of structural biology to join our dynamic drug discovery team. Scorpion’s ambitious programs require innovative solutions for difficult problems. You will serve a critical role in designing, purifying, and structurally characterizing challenging target proteins or complexes. In addition, you’ll help oversee structural biology efforts at external CROs, provide mechanistic understanding of protein structure-function relationships, and offer insight to improve compound potency. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with a skilled group of scientists representing medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, computational chemistry, biology, and other disciplines to advance programs to the clinic. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the establishment of Scorpion’s internal protein and structural biology core
• Plan and prosecute gene-to-structure projects for less tractable targets, including uncharacterized proteins and obligate complexes
• Characterize new protein targets and funnel them into the appropriate internal or external structural biology resources. Aid in acquiring protein for biochemical assays.
• Perform high-throughput co-crystallization screens for targets with small molecules Optimize, harvest, and ship crystals to CRO partners. Advise on external projects using alternative structural biology techniques. Analyze and present findings to colleagues.
• Collaborate with Scorpion colleagues in biochemistry, chemical biology, informatics, and medicinal chemistry on both early-stage and advanced programs
• Maintain excellent records and communication across internal and external colleagues 

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or Biophysics, or a related field plus at least 3 years of experience in protein crystallography or Cryo-EM in an academic or industry setting
• Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness developing purification strategies and structural characterization of previously intractable protein systems
• Experience with transcription factor complexes, DNA-modifying enzymes, DNA replication machinery, or other DNA-binding complexes
• Proficiency in relevant crystallography/Cryo-EM software for solution, refinement, and visualization, and analysis
• Experience with mass spectrometry is a plus, but is not required
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced cross-functional environment

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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.