Scientist II, Translational Biology

Job Title: Scientist II, Translational Biology

Reports To (Title): Senior Director, Translational Biology

Department: Translational Biology

Location: On-site in San Diego, California

OBJECTIVES: 

This role is focused on non-clinical translational biology related to Trotana’s small molecule immunology programs. The candidate will have at least 4 years of industry experience and will be a critical player supporting Trotana's drug development programs. The scientist will be responsible for the design and execution of complex immune assays to generate critical data to inform mechanism-of-action for novel therapeutics, guiding key program decisions and indication selection. The successful candidate will work together with colleagues from other development functions, including nonclinical pharmacology, toxicology and clinical development. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Contribute to the implementation of translational immunology strategies to generate data packages supporting Trotana’s development programs
• Develop and optimize different immune-assays using human PBMCs or tissues samples from healthy individuals and patients, to characterize mechanism-of-action for therapeutic candidates
• Design and execute complex experiments using a variety of assays, including flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD, cell-based functional assays with primary human and/or animal immune cells, cell growth inhibition assays, cytotoxicity assays, and more.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (biology, bioinformatics, in vivo pharmacology) to integrate assay data into broader translational strategies.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records and contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and presentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies or assay platforms to enhance translational capabilities.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, study summaries, and regulatory documentation.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• Ph.D. in immunology or related discipline with at least 4 years of hands-on experience in biotech and/or pharma industry roles
• Extensive experience with a wide range of immune assays and translational immunology strategies. Experience with human blood and PBMC isolation/culture is essential.
• In-depth experience with analytical and quantitative techniques such as flow cytometry, qPCR, qRT-PCR, ELISA, HTRF, absorbance/luminescence/fluorescence plate assays.
• Extensive experience with culture and maintenance of mammalian cell lines and primary cells from various tissues.
• Experience in data analysis, interpretation, and visualization, particularly with large data sets.
• Attention to safety, good laboratory practice, and good documentation practice are essential.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced startup environment and able to adjust workload and responsibilities based upon changing priorities.
• Able to manage multiple projects in parallel, including key participation on multi-disciplinary project teams.
• A proven record of scientific leadership and innovation.

Further Information:

Salary range: $105-130k/year

Trotana is a biotechnology company based in San Diego. In addition to a competitive compensation package with stock options, the company offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance and a 401(k) plan. The company is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

To be considered as an applicant, please submit your resume/CV referencing the specific position of interest to careers@trotana.com. Applicants whose qualifications and experience most closely match the requirements of the position will be reviewed.