Research Associate II – Translational Sciences (Contract)

Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company and leader in the discovery and development of novel integrin-based therapeutics. Based in South San Francisco, California, Pliant was founded in 2015 to develop therapeutics to modulate specific pathways upregulated or dysfunctional in certain diseases. Our approach involves developing novel integrin-based therapeutics to treat solid tumors and other diseases. Integrins are a crucial link between a cell's internal structure and its external environment and function in cell signaling, regulation and adhesion as well as wound healing and immune response.

Founded by a team of world-renowned researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, this group discovered key insights into the integrin biology and developed small molecule therapeutics to target this devastating disease process. Launched in 2016 by Third Rock Ventures, a leading healthcare venture capital firm, Pliant has developed an industry-leading proprietary library of over 15,000 integrins that serve as a key driver to its portfolio. We believe our platform may be broadly applicable across multiple disease areas including delivery of drug payloads to cells utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules as tissue-specific delivery and internalization mechanisms. Currently, Pliant is conducting a Phase 1 study of PLN-101095, a small molecule, dual-selective inhibitor of αvß8 and αvß1 integrins, that has shown encouraging clinical activity in the development of a treatment of immune checkpoint resistant solid tumors.

Description

We have an immediate opening for a contract Research Associate within our Translational Sciences group. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) contract position with a duration of 6 months.

This individual will join a team focused on discovery and advancement of tissue-specific delivery of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules. The primary responsibility of this position will include processing samples, developing, troubleshooting and optimizing assays.

Responsibilities

• Process cell and tissue-based samples through multiple molecular assays following appropriate laboratory/technical procedures with special attention to data quality and reproducibility
• Learn new laboratory techniques, troubleshoot experiments, and ensure experiments are well-designed and performed to a high standard
• Make detailed observations, analyze data promptly, and maintain accurate records
• Evaluate and clearly report experimental results to research team on a routine basis
• Contribute to development and adoption of new technologies
• Provide support for various research team projects and lab needs based using dynamic prioritization
• Actively participate in project meetings
  
  

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

• BA/BS degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology or related field with a minimum of 3 years full time laboratory experience in an industry or academic setting.
• Practical experience in common cell biology laboratory procedures including cell culture, transfection, qRT-PCR, ELISA, Western blot, immunofluorescence-based staining is a must. Having experience with running Nanostring, MSD, and/or working with oligonucleotides is an advantage
• Experience working with a variety of primary human and immune cells is preferred
• Comfortable working with ex vivo tissues e.g. human, NHP, and rodent tissues
• Ability to evaluate and clearly communicate results both verbally and in written form
• Candidate should be flexible with rapid changes in schedule based on scope/prioritization of projects
• Candidate should exhibit strong, positive attitude for teamwork and learning
• Ability to thrive in a culture of respect, accountability, transparency, and collaboration.
  
  

The hourly rate for this role is $44/hr – $50/hr. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training.

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