Senior Research Scientist
Seattle, WA - Full-Time
Job description
Menten AI is looking for an experienced, highly motivated, drug discovery leader to advance our preclinical drug discovery efforts and help us create the next generation of protein-based therapeutics. As one of the key early hires for the company, you will become a strategic member of a multidisciplinary and innovative research group to develop, lead, and execute the short and long-term drug discovery strategy and roadmap. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring Menten AI’s preclinical programs and technology platform are based on solid scientific foundations, accurate feasibility assessments and bringing research projects to IND stage and beyond. We are looking for an innovator who can embrace and contribute to the company’s positive culture of support and growth.
If you are looking to co-create a paradigm shift in drug discovery - this job is for you!
Core responsibilities
Be the senior biologist in drug discovery project teams that demonstrates strong knowledge of scientific principles, models and technologies in the drug discovery and development process from early discovery to IND.
Develop, lead, and execute the short and long-term strategy and roadmap for all preclinical research protein-based drug discovery efforts including:
- Target identification and validation
- Discovery/design of protein-based therapeutic candidates
- Lead generation, optimization, and characterization of drug candidates to advance them through discovery and early development phases
Supervise and manage all wet lab R&D operations with CROs to ensure they produce the accurate and solid results in support of program team objectives to advance projects within the portfolio, as well as the overall Menten.AI’s strategy and mission
Be a key intellectual contributor in the conception and implementation of new biology and technology efforts of key drug discovery targets
Work with the executive team to attract and build a world-class drug discovery team for the computational and wet labs
Contribute to a positive team culture supporting personal and professional development in line with the company’s core values and mission
Requirements
Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field
12+ years R&D experience in drug discovery in the Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical industry including:
- Target identification and validation
- Assay Development
- Lead Optimization
- Characterization and advancement of compounds to development candidate and IND-enabling stage
Proven record in advancing peptides and/or proteins to clinical development
Excellent written and oral communication skills demonstrated by a strong record of research publications and high profile scientific presentations
Broad experience in cellular and biological techniques e.g. SPR, ITC, phage display, etc.
Strong mentoring and supervisory skills including organizing and leading pre-clinical drug research and development efforts in an industrial or academic setting
Knowledge/experience operating in a regulated environment (e.g. GLSP, GxP & AAALAC)
Experience working with contract research organizations (CROs)
Bonus
Expertise in peptide/protein design or engineering, cell-permeability, bioavailability, half-life extension.
Experience with IND and other FDA filings
What we offer
Menten AI is all about helping you lead a healthy and meaningful life in and outside of work. We won’t lure you into staying longer with free dinners or dry-cleaning. We believe that your best work starts with a healthy lifestyle filled with freedom to rest, create, exercise, and spend time with the ones you love.
Benefits & Perks
Competitive Salary and Equity Package
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Unlimited paid vacation every year
Flexible work location - Work from wherever you feel most comfortable
Wellness & Fitness Allowance
Apply now
