Senior Scientist - In Vitro Pharmacology

Summary

A well-funded biotech startup founded by experienced entrepreneurs with a strong track record in biologics is focused on discovering and developing differentiated biologic therapies for immunological and other complex diseases. Backed by a seasoned leadership team known for advancing innovative biologics to global markets, the company is driven by a passion for science, collaboration, and improving patient outcomes. The company offers competitive compensation, equity, 401(k) matching, and comprehensive healthcare benefits.

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our multidisciplinary drug discovery team. This individual will play a key role in driving early-stage discovery efforts focused on autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in in vitro pharmacology, gene delivery systems, human primary cell models, and in vivo animal models, paired with a deep understanding of disease biology and translational relevance. This position offers the opportunity to contribute across multiple programs and therapeutic platforms in a dynamic, collaborative biotech environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro pharmacology studies to assess novel therapeutic candidates
• Develop and refine assays using reporter systems, primary cells, and engineered cell lines
• Generate and apply lentiviral and retroviral vectors for gene expression and genome editing
• Conduct functional studies in human primary immune and stromal cells (e.g., PBMCs, fibroblasts, hepatocytes)
• Support in vivo pharmacology studies, including model selection, dosing, sample collection, and biomarker analysis
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance programs from target validation through lead optimization
• Maintain detailed experimental records and clearly present findings in team meetings

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field
• Strong understanding of drug target validation and early drug development
• Experience with biologics platforms preferred, including canonical and engineered antibodies, bi-specifics, Fc-fusion proteins, and novel scaffolds
• In-depth scientific knowledge in immunology, with emphasis on autoimmunity and inflammation strongly preferred
• Familiarity with mouse models, including handling, dosing, tissue collection, and biomarker analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills