We are seeking a highly motivated cancer biologist to join our Target Biology team in South San Francisco. The successful candidate will play a key role in target ID/validation efforts and accelerating drug discovery by developing/implementing a variety of cell-based assays to elucidate target function and enable small molecule screening efforts. They will deeply explore the target biology to refine indication space and/or biomarker hypotheses, mechanistically “connect the dots” from target engagement to phenotype in disease-relevant contexts, and ideally will bring in-depth knowledge of transcription factor biology including mechanisms of regulation, interaction with transcriptional machinery and dynamics of DNA binding. As a core member of the biology group, they will collaborate closely with other functional groups to drive project momentum and communicate key biology updates cross-functionally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate novel precision oncology targets and elucidate mechanisms of transcription factor regulation using genetic and pharmacological approaches.
• Design, optimize, and implement robust cell-based assays to characterize drug/target MoA and to enable a robust screening funnel.
• Collect, process, analyze, and summarize data for presentations, reports, publications, and patents.
• Keep up to date with the latest scientific advances in technologies and trends in oncology research and development, and contribute to group strategy.
• Mentor and direct junior lab members.
• Maintain excellent communication across internal and external team members.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in cancer biology or closely related field with 2-6 years of additional experience in oncology discovery (ideally industry); BS/MS with 10-14 years industry experience (ideally small molecule drug discovery).
• Must have experience in cell-based assay development and execution across different cellular assay formats to enable small molecule drug discovery/characterization, ideally with some emphasis on transcriptional readouts (qPCR, luciferase-based reporters, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, ChIP-seq, HTFR, BRET, ALPHA screen, ELISA, Protein Simple, western, etc.).
• Broad technical experience sufficient to design and execute target validation and MoA studies (CRISPR KO/KI, genetic rescue, general molecular biology, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to independently and consistently drive projects from concept/hypothesis through major milestones (pipeline advancement or impactful publication)
• Exceptional scientific rigor and commitment to the highest-quality research with outstanding organizational abilities and scientific execution.
• A highly engaged and motivated self-starter who is creative, innovative, communicative and possesses both a collaborative and goal/results-orientated style.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment, while employing tact, patience, diplomacy and a collaborative spirit.
• Outstanding decision making, organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.