Senior Scientist 2, Mechanistic Biology
Categories: Biology
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Scientist, Mechanistic Biology, will be responsible for conducting mechanistic studies critical to programs in metabolic and endocrine diseases. The candidate will work within a highly collaborative group focused on GPCR targets, participating in the translational efforts aimed at characterizing therapeutic targets by investigating the mechanisms of action of new molecules using in vitro and ex vivo cell models and will work in a dynamic environment to help advance programs from discovery into development as part of a multidisciplinary team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
These may include but are not limited to:
- Design, develop and conduct in vitro and ex vivo assays in relevant cellular models to understand the mechanism of action of small molecules targeting metabolic and endocrine diseases
- Perform standard cellular assays and techniques, including cell isolation, cell culture, gene and protein expression, ELISA, immunostaining, and western blot
- Demonstrate a high level of initiative to troubleshoot and accurately perform data analysis.
- Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature and pertinent new technologies.
- Adapt concepts from literature to bench research to support ongoing programs
- Prepare written technical reports, summaries, and standard protocols
- Lead external collaborations and outsourced studies
- Present findings at team/cross-functional meetings and scientific conferences
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with company established practices and procedures, including laboratory notebooks, computer files, quality and regulatory guidelines, and safety standards
- Perform timely data verification and ensure accuracy for laboratory notebooks, protocols, reports, and regulatory filings
- Support the organization in maintaining a work environment focused on scientific integrity and quality, and one that fosters learning, open communication, collaboration, and teamwork
- Train and supervise junior scientists
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Metabolic Disease, Physiology, Endocrinology, or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience
- 3+ years of industry experience in drug discovery in the area of GPCR, metabolic diseases or endocrinology is a plus
- Strong laboratory expertise pertaining to cell biology, including immortalized and primary cell culture (2D and 3D), development of ex-vivo models, gene and protein expression, assay development and optimization as well as familiarity with multiplex assays
- Experience in designing and conducting ex vivo studies in primary cultures of relevance to metabolic and endocrine diseases, minimally including experience in hepatocyte, islets or adipocyte models
- Experience in any of the following: GPCR cell biology, immunohistochemistry, various types of microscopy, molecular biology, is a plus
- Willingness to gain experience in new techniques as required
- Experience in leading components of drug discovery programs is desired; demonstrated potential to eventually assume a program leadership role is essential
- Must be independent and able to follow pre-established experimental designs, as well as develop new methods, protocols, and technologies based on existing literature
- Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills, including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects
- Must be detail-oriented, with excellent record-keeping skills, punctual, reliable, and available on weekends when necessary
- Able to effectively communicate and present summaries of research results in written and verbal forms
- Must be highly motivated, with a strong work ethic, capable of working independently with minimal supervision but also in a collaborative environment.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change in priorities and short lead times
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:
Equipment: PC, scanners, voice mail and e-mail systems, and common office machines, or ability to be trained. Knowledge of other equipment required: N/A
Software Knowledge: Windows, MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), Prism or equivalent statistical and graphing software
EFFORT REQUIRED/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Physical Activities: On a continuous basis, sit at desk for a long period of time; intermittently answer telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Some walking and lifting up to 20 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.
Laboratory Activities, if applicable: Biology, chemical laboratory and vivarium environment experience needed. Environmental health and safety requirements also apply.
TRAVEL:
Travel may be required up to 5% of your time.
THE ANTICIPATED BASE SALARY RANGE: $137,000 – $158,100
In addition to your base pay, our total rewards program consists of a discretionary annual target bonus, stock options, ESPP, and 401k match. We also provide top-notch health insurance plans for employees (and their families) to include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 20 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and a winter company shutdown in December.
The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience and education. Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
ABOUT CRINETICS:
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (www.crinetics.com) is a rare endocrine and endocrine-related cancer therapeutics company. Crinetics’ benefit package includes health insurance, stock options, a 401k, paid time off, and the company provides a dog-friendly work environment.