June 6, 2016
A BioSpace.com Breaking News Staff Report
SAN FRANCISCO – The biotech industry, while suffering through a stock slump and harsh criticism from candidates on the presidential campaign trail so far in 2016, remains a vibrant sector brimming with ideas for new startups. Those startups will be looking for deals—and employees—at BIO 2016 here June 6–9.
While startups typically need few employees at first, it is always great to get in on the ground floor with the hottest ones—before they get big or are gobbled up by big pharma. Not all of the available jobs are for top positions in these companies, in fact, there is a range from temporary research associates on up.
Among the best and brightest are those companies that were included in BioSpace’s NextGen Bio “Class of 2016.”
These 20 life science companies are already making a big impact on the industry now and a number of them are hiring.
Corvus Pharma
Corvus Pharma, based in Burlingame, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on immuno-oncology. The company currently has a checkpoint inhibitor in Phase I clinical trials, which is expected to move into Phase Ib in early 2016. In December 2014, Corvus closed on a $33.5 million Series A funding round led by OrbiMed Advisors and in September 2015, the company closed on a $75 million Series B financing, led by Rock Springs Capital Management. Corvus has four openings, such as senior clinical research associate and senior project manager.
NantCell
NantCell, based in Culver City, California, focuses on the research and development of immunology-based innovative treatments for diseases through cell-based treatments at the molecular level. NantCell has a licensing agreement with Amgen for an oncology antibody and completed a funding round worth $75 million. Billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong‘s NantCell is one of more than 10 companies under his NantHealth brand. NantHealth has almost 70 jobs listed, ranging from precision medical specialist to software architect.
CRISPR Therapeutics
CRISPR Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is translating CRISPR-Cas9, a breakthrough genome-editing technology, into medicines for serious human diseases. The company completed a $35 million Series A round as well as $89 million Series A and B rounds. In October, CRISPR signed a strategic research collaboration deal with Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals worth $105 million up front. The deal will offer up to $420 million in milestone and royalty payments for six possible treatments. CRISPR has 20 openings, ranging from temporary cell biology research associates to senior director of translational medicine.
Arivale
Arivale, based in Seattle, provides a scientific wellness program that analyzes four critical areas of a participant’s body and life—DNA, blood and saliva, gut microbiome and lifestyle. These data points create a 360-degree view of the program participant, who is also connected with an Arivale coach. The coach interprets the data and provides ongoing, actionable health recommendations—based on the participant’s goals and objectives. The company has partnered with The Institute for Systems Biology, a nonprofit, biomedical research organization in Seattle. Arrivale has seven openings including coach and HIPAA compliance manager.
Aeglea BioTherapeutics
Aeglea BioTherapeutics, based in Austin, Texas, is developing engineered human enzymes. Four drug candidates that degrade specific amino acids are in development for the treatment of cancer and inborn errors of metabolism. In January 2014, the company closed on a $12 million Series A round followed in March 2015 with a $44 million Series B round. The company has filed an investigational new drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for AEB1102 for the treatment of solid tumors and has since initiated a Phase I dose escalation study. Aeglea lists three open positions, including project manager, senior clinical site manager and clinical project manager.
True North Therapeutics
True North Therapeutics, located in South San Francisco, is developing novel therapies that selectively inhibit the complement system. The company’s lead monoclonal antibody, TNT009, targets the classical complement pathway. True North is advancing a pipeline of novel monoclonal antibodies for complement-mediated rare diseases in hematologic, kidney transplant, and skin therapeutic areas. In April 2014, the company closed on a Series B financing round worth $35 million and then in June 2014, it closed on a Series A round worth $22 million. TrueNorth has one opening, associate director/director of quality assurance.
Zymergen
Zymergen, based in Emeryville, California, focuses on genetically engineering microbes for industrial fermentation. The company raised $44 million in 2015 following $2 million in seed funding it received in 2013. Zymergen’s approach involves automation and bioinformatics. Zymergen has more than 40 openings, ranging from research associate in analytical chemistry to IP attorney.
Semma Therapeutics
Semma Therapeutics, based Cambridge, Massachusetts, focuses on diabetes research using stem cells. The company has an agreement with Novartis Pharmaceuticals. In March 2015, the company closed on a $44 million Series A funding round. Semma Therapeutics has a half dozen jobs, ranging from senior scientist for cell biology to director of device developing and manufacturing.
