Senior Scientist, Translational Research

Aktis Oncology, Inc. is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on expanding the breakthrough potential of targeted radiopharmaceuticals to large patient populations, including those not addressed by existing platform technologies. Aktis’ most-advanced program, AKY-1189, is a miniprotein radioconjugate targeting Nectin-4, with multi-indication potential across multiple tumor types, including locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and head and neck cancer. Aktis’ second pipeline program, AKY-2519, is a miniprotein radioconjugate targeting B7-H3 expressing tumors, including prostate, lung and other solid tumors. Aktis has a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company to leverage its miniprotein platform to develop novel radioconjugates outside of Aktis’ proprietary pipeline.

The Senior Scientist in the Translational Biology group will work cross-functionally to support translational biology initiatives across the Aktis portfolio and advance the development of novel therapies to treat targeted patient populations within multiple oncology indications. 

The candidate will independently apply and develop cutting edge tools and methodologies to enable the advancement of company objectives with a focus clinical biomarker activities and reverse translation.  As a member of the Translational Biology group within the broader Biology functional area, the candidate will work internally and with CROs to execute on the biomarker strategy and troubleshoot related challenges to advance programs through the clinic. 

Background/Training:

• Ph.D. in cancer biology, oncology or related fields. 
• 2-4 years of biopharmaceutical research experience translational research

Experience/Accomplishments

• Demonstrated experience working with and managing external CROs including overseeing clinical biomarker assay development, validation, execution and data delivery.
• Proven experience in assay development and troubleshooting, and with the adoption of novel methodologies to characterize drug mechanism of action and identify new biomarkers to drive the development of Aktis programs. 
  • Required expertise includes:
    • Working knowledge of standard pathology techniques: IHC, IF, of cell lines and tissue sections
    • Demonstrated experience building PK/PD/Efficacy relationships
    • Experience working with primary samples (ex vivo, blood, tissues…)
    • Demonstrated knowledge of standard biomarker techniques: MSD, ELISA, Flow cytometry, etc.
    • Experience with clinical sample database set up and/or usage including EDC
    • Demonstrated document drafting and review, including, but not limited to SOWs, Lab Manuals, DTAs, SAPs, etc.
  • Preferred expertise includes experience with the following:
    • Molecular techniques (qPCR, NGS)
    • Familiarity with public omics databases i.e. cBioportal, GTEX, Depmap, etc.
    • Mammalian cell culture (cell lines and primary samples)
    • In vitro pharmacology (cell -based dose response, cell death assays)
• Effectively communicates with the Central Laboratories to support clinical studies, track clinical samples, coordinate shipments and support review of relevant documents inclusive of laboratory manuals, kit design files and others.
• Demonstrated ability to derive scientific insights from complex data sets, break down problems into simple components and effectively share findings with cross-functional colleagues
• Effectively communicates and collaborates with other Biology members, and with Clinical team members to build and implement biomarker strategies in the clinic
• Demonstrated high standards for scientific rigor, team behaviors, excellence and building a culture of innovation that is fully aligned with company objectives
• Highly collaborative, positive and proactive individual.
• Thrives in fast-paced, flexible growth environments with the ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent time-management and communication skills.

Aktis Oncology is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Aktis Oncology is committed to promoting and maintaining a work environment in which all applicants, employees, and other individuals are treated with dignity and respect free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.