ASO Lead Scientist

Q-State Biosciences is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Research and Development team in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The candidate will be expected to provide scientific expertise and leadership across the portfolio of therapeutic programs by contributing to the design and development of novel therapeutic oligonucleotides intended for the treatment of neurological diseases. The candidate should possess an in-depth understanding of oligonucleotide design and delivery approaches as well as cutting edge nucleic acid chemistries used for therapeutic applications. The candidate should have a track record in pioneering the development of novel oligonucleotide therapeutic technologies and applying oligonucleotide-based therapeutics to CNS disorders. The candidate will advance Q-State’s platform technology and will have a deep understanding of the relationship between sequence, chemistry and associated pharmacological properties.  

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership on oligonucleotide design and chemistry choices contributing to the selection of lead and development candidate molecules for portfolio
• Work with team to understand the biodistribution, efficacy and ADME profiles across multiple target sequences and chemistries for establishment of structure activity relationships
• Contribute to the development of methods for bioanalytical and biomarker assessment to support discovery and preclinical programs
• Contribute towards planning experimental design and execution of all aspects of assay development to support discovery and preclinical studies
• Work with program teams to interpret in vivo animal studies for efficacy/tolerability and PK/PD evaluation
• Provide strategic guidance to project teams and senior management including evaluation of novel oligonucleotide technologies for design, chemistry and delivery
• Prepare clear data presentations and reports

Requirements

• PhD in biology, chemistry, chemical engineering or related field
• Relevant experience (5 -years) in novel oligonucleotide therapeutics
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team-oriented environment
• Ability to work well with external CROs and collaborators with professionalism and discretion
• Ability to travel to monitor out-sourced studies
• Outstanding organizational skills/ability to prioritize and deliver in timely fashion