Scientist, Senior Sci., Pharmacology

See more jobs from Flagship Pioneering

over 2 years old

This job is no longer active

Come join a creative and collaborative team of scientists dedicated to leveraging emerging insights in RNA biology to develop novel classes of oligonucleotide therapeutics to treat human diseases and improve human health. In this role you will play a critical/vital role in in Vivo Pharmacology and work closely with internal partners and external collaborators to enable identification of multiple drug candidates for human clinical studies. Please apply if you feel that you can contribute to growing our team and advance our mission.

Flagship Labs 63, Inc. was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovation enterprise that conceives, resources, and grows first-in-category life science companies (including the now familiar drug and vaccine innovator, Moderna Therapeutics). The firm’s institutional innovation foundry, Flagship Labs, is where teams of scientific entrepreneurs systematically evolve ideas and turn previously undiscovered areas of science into real-world ventures. Flagship has created over 100 scientific ventures resulting in >$19 billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and >50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents. Flagship’s portfolio companies include Sana, Seres, Codiak, Rubius Therapeutics, and Indigo Agriculture.

As an early member of a privately held, well-funded, early-stage platform biotechnology company, you will have significant influence on the platform development, drug discovery and development, and translation into the clinic along with the opportunity to grow as the company continues to expand. You will also benefit from opportunities to engage with the broader Flagship Pioneering ecosystem.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Key/Major contributor in building and developing In Vivo Pharmacology team and infrastructure to supports oligonucleotide-based drug discovery and preclinical development, with a longer-term goal of enabling clinical studies and regulatory approvals
  • Responsible for the planning, design, oversight, and hands-on execution of in vivo pharmacology studies aimed at building pharmacologic relationships between drug exposure, target engagement, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and activity of novel treatments in various disease models
  • Play a leading role in selecting and implementing (internally or externally) the most appropriate and translational disease models, including biomarkers, to address cross-functional program objectives
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with external partners, clinical and academic collaborators, and CROs. Design, contract and manage studies at CROs to deliver high quality in vitro and in vivo pharmacology data packages
  • Help build and develop in house facility and capability to test drug efficacy in rodent models of disease and test pipeline oligonucleotide-based molecule to establish proof-of-concept and understand mechanism of action. Perform in vivo procedures in mice, including preparation and administration of dosing solutions via intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intracerebroventricular dosing routes.
  • Develop in vitro pharmacology assays for the identification and quantification biomarkers in biological matrices, cells, and nonclinical and clinical samples
  • Ensure the successful preparation and presentation of all internal and external documents related to the preclinical pharmacology studies, taking a lead role in writing, and reviewing responses to queries
  • Be a strong advocate of company culture and inspire team members to deliver their best individual potential. Be a role model for the team and act positively to influence the broader organization.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • PhD in pharmacology, biology, or related field of study with minimum of 5 years in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry working on multifunctional project team
  • Deep understanding of pharmacology, with a track record of defining key experiments and developing robust and relevant animal model across several therapeutic areas to rapidly drive programs to go/no go decision points
  • Expert knowledge of the drug discovery process, from target validation through development of drug candidates for clinical development. Key attributes include extensive hand-on experience in evaluating In Vivo efficacy of oligo-based molecules in multiple disease indications
  • Experience designing, developing, and characterizing genetically engineered and humanized mouse models
  • Working knowledge of in vitro pharmacology for quantitative assessment of PD biomarker in various tissues and biological matrixes. Experience with in vitro/ex vivo assay development such as, but not limited to, FACS-based phenotyping, MSD, ELISA and histology
  • Demonstrated ability to lead R&D projects in matrixed environments
  • Established ability to (1) identify suitable and relevant contract research organizations for each aspect of pharmacology assessment, conduct due diligence assessment, and contract execution; (2) collaboratively develop study protocols; (3) establish working relationships and effective communication with consultants, study directors and CRO management; (4) ensure timely and comprehensive communication and information exchange and capture
  • Expert knowledge in data spreadsheets (Excel) and GraphPad Prism to generate graphic illustrations of data received from CRO to support internal reports and regulatory submissions.
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to accuracy and detail, and the ability to handle multiple projects in parallel

The preferred candidate will also possess the following skills:

  • Broad disease related experience with firsthand knowledge in oligo-based molecules
  • Prior management experience of junior scientists

Core Values:

Fast-acting/efficient. Moves quickly and proactively with a strong work ethic to produce high-quality results while fostering a positive work environment. Focuses on key priorities. Demonstrates tenacity and willingness to go the distance to get something done.

Integrity. Does not cut corners ethically. Earns trust and maintains confidences. Does what is right not just what is politically expedient. Speaks plainly and truthfully. Follows-through on commitments. Expects a high level of personal performance and team performance.

Critical thinking. Learns quickly. Demonstrates ability to proficiently understand new information and independently achieve meaningful outcomes. Able to structure and process qualitative/quantitative data and draw insightful conclusions.

Creativity & Innovation. Generates new and creative approaches to problem solving. Positive ‘can-do’ attitude. Views the toughest challenges as the greatest opportunities for personal growth and company innovation.

Teamwork. Fully engaged in facilitating personal and team success. Reaches out to peers and cooperates with the team to establish an overall collaborative work environment. Often solicits and responds well to constructive feedback. Possesses good written and oral communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely convey ideas and opinions.

Flexibility/adaptability. Adjusts quickly to changing strategic and tactical priorities. ‘Wears multiple hats’ and is comfortable with ambiguity.

 

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.