Programmable Medicine (a spin-out from Ashvattha Therapeutics) is an innovative, science-driven biotechnology company dedicated to developing a new class of drugs that identify and treat diseased cells with unprecedented precision. Our proprietary hydroxyl dendrimer (HD) platform, exclusively licensed from Johns Hopkins University, allows for the creation of hydroxyl dendrimer therapeutics (HDTs), which link known small molecule drugs to HDs for selective delivery with sustained effect in diseased tissues. We believe this approach to precision medicine has the potential to change the standard of care across a wide range of diseases. As pre-revenue organization, we are focused on advancing our pipeline through research, preclinical, and early clinical development while building a scalable operational foundation.

 

Role Summary

The Senior Scientist II Cell Biology will be responsible for the design, execution, and analysis of cell-based assays using primary (PBMC) or secondary microglial / macrophage cell lines. Assays may include flow cytometry, ELISA or HTRF based assays, confocal microscopy, and plate-based imaging techniques.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the Medicinal Chemistry team to screen novel compounds in biochemical assays (may manage external CROs) and propose and develop the appropriate cell based assays for target engagement and disease relevant endpoints.
  • Independently propose and execute target and disease-relevant assays, and deliver data to meet timelines.
  • Utilize their scientific background and expertise to further mechanistic understanding of our unique dendrimer platform, while being goal-oriented to deliver new target/compound screening data per the established timelines.
  • Setting appropriate goals and timelines for multiple preclinical pipeline programs and work in a highly matrixed environment to enable success.
  • Develop new cell-based assays, and successfully screen at least one family of novel compounds.
  • Establish working relationships with internal stakeholders and external CROs to execute assays specific to each target.
  • Investigate mechanism of action of pipeline compounds using appropriate selected assays and deliver definitive data that furthers mechanistic understanding of our therapeutic platform.

 

Requirements

  • PhD in Cell Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, or related discipline, and 8+ years of related experience including 5+ years of industry experience developing cell-based assays
  • Experience supervising others, leading scientific teams and working in a matrix environment
  • Strong scientific understanding of biology, immunology, and inflammatory diseases
  • Experience advancing therapeutic candidates through the pipeline using tiered screening strategies
  • The candidate must have a proven track record of success in developing cell-based assays for compound screening.
  • Experience with microglial or macrophage primary cells or cell lines is required.
  • Experience managing external CROs for biochemical screening is preferred.
  • Core techniques that the candidate will have expertise in include fluorescence microscopy, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, qPCR, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, ELISA, and other plate-based assay formats.
  • Experience with GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, Excel, or other similar software is required. 

 

What We Can Offer You

This is a unique opportunity to join a team focused on a new class of precision medicines that selectively treat diseased cells in regions of inflammation. By making precision medicine even more precise, our nanomedicine technology has the potential to change the standard of care across ophthalmology, neurology, inflammatory diseases and neuro-oncology.​ You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain a better understanding of the cutting-edge technology. 

We have a comprehensive total compensation package including fully paid medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family.   We want all of our employees to have the opportunity to become shareholders and offer new hire stock options.  The Company also offers participation in the annual bonus program.  The salary range for this position is $152,000 - $165,000  annually. We consider various factors when determining the base compensation, including market survey data, experience, qualifications, and geographic location, which means that the actual compensation may vary