Principal Scientist, in vivo Pharmacology
Cambridge, MA
Platform Biology /
Full-time /
On-site
About Us
Deep Genomics is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to transform drug discovery. Our proprietary AI platform decodes the complexity of RNA biology to identify novel drug targets, mechanisms, and therapeutics inaccessible through traditional methods. With expertise spanning machine learning, bioinformatics, data science, and high throughput screening, our multidisciplinary team in Toronto and Cambridge, MA is revolutionizing how new medicines are created.
About the Role
The Principal Scientist, in vivo pharmacology will be responsible for establishing and leading the in vivo pharmacology function at Deep Genomics with the goal of advancing RNA editing therapeutics. This is a leadership role with the opportunity to make a significant impact on Deep Genomics’ therapeutic pipeline. Success in this role requires the ability to lead strategically, execute tactically, and influence others in a highly matrixed and multidisciplinary team.
The ideal candidate will have direct experience in designing, executing and interpreting translational studies for the development of genetic medicines in mice and NHP. Direct experience with ADAR, ASOs, siRNAs or gene editing is highly beneficial. Experience with LNP- and GalNAc-mediated delivery is essential. Experience with liver and metabolic disease and relevant pre-clinical models is highly desired but the candidate will be expected to expand into other diseases and tissues as the company’s therapeutic pipeline matures. This role requires fluency in leading studies with external research organizations and acting as a connector between internal groups. In addition to leading in vivo work, the candidate is expected to work closely with the Platform Biology team to provide input on relevant in vitro model systems.
In addition to setting and executing the strategy for pre-clinical work, the candidate will be expected to contribute to the clinical development path, including planning and writing regulatory submissions and biomarker development in collaboration with internal leaders and external consultants and KOLs.
As a key member of an early stage discovery team, this individual must demonstrate initiative and ownership in both scientific and strategic decisions and have an entrepreneurial mindset. Ability to pro-actively anticipate needs and independently seek solutions is a key skill, together with effective communication in all directions. This role may lead to the opportunity to manage and mentor direct reports in the future. Please note that the title is commensurate with prior experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all in vivo work from design, model development, execution, analysis and interpretation.
- Collaborate closely with the therapeutic program teams on relevant in vitro models and development of translational assays.
- Collaborate closely with the target discovery team on availability, feasibility and predictive power of pre-clinical models for new targets.
- Provide strategic leadership on the clinical development path including regulatory filings and biomarker development.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, personal accountability and interpersonal skills, and capability for mentoring (direct reports and others).
- Analyze, interpret and present data to scientists and management in internal and external venues and publish in peer-reviewed journals as appropriate.
Basic Qualifications
- PhD in biological sciences with 6+ years of post-graduate experience in relevant roles (or equivalent) in translational biology for the development of genetic medicines.
- 3+ years building, managing, and leading teams to meet corporate goals.
- Direct experience with pre-clinical models of liver disease.
- Direct experience with LNP or GalNAc-mediated delivery.
- Familiarity with NGS datastreams and interpretation.
- Prior experience executing studies with contract research organizations.
- Breadth of therapeutic area expertise and exposure to multiple therapeutic modalities, ideally including gene editing and RNA-targeted therapies.
- Proven ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong personal qualities, including attention to detail, emotional intelligence, integrity, creativity, and a willingness to have ideas challenged by team members and to challenge them.
- Ability to communicate complex data sets to key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with oligonucleotide or gene editing based therapeutics.
- Experience with advanced in vitro models e.g. iPSC derived cells, organoids.
- Experience planning and writing regulatory packages including IND submissions.
- Experience with clinical biomarker development strategy.
- Understanding of target discovery via human genetics.
- Network of relevant external KOLs.
- Strong computational background or demonstrated ability to interface with computational biology teams.
- Experience with multi-site project management and team leadership.
What we offer
- A collaborative and innovative environment at the frontier of computational biology, machine learning, and drug discovery.
- Highly competitive compensation, including meaningful stock ownership.
- Comprehensive benefits - including health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and families, employee and family assistance program.
- Flexible work environment - including flexible hours, extended long weekends, holiday shutdown, unlimited personal days.
- Maternity and parental leave top-up coverage, as well as new parent paid time off.
- Focus on learning and growth for all employees - learning and development budget & lunch and learns.
- Facilities located in the heart of Toronto - the epicenter of machine learning and AI research and development, and in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Mass. - a global center of biotechnology and life sciences.
Deep Genomics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Deep Genomics thanks all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
