Work Location: San Diego, CA
Status: Full-Time
Department: Translational Research
Company Profile
We are Aspyrian Therapeutics Inc., a privately funded, clinical stage, Biotechnology Company located in San Diego, California. We are focused on advancing innovative science into breakthrough products that provide cancer patients with new treatments to conquer their disease.
We are supported by visionary investors that have the commitment to build a long-term company that integrates research, development and commercialization of cutting edge cancer therapies with the aim to transform cancer treatments. Our mission is "CONQUERING Cancer. For LIFE".
We are developing therapies based on a novel proprietary technology platform that utilizes antibodies conjugated with payloads that are specifically activated at the tumor site. Our first clinical product is in mid-stage clinical testing to treat terminal cancer patients. This is a first in class product with unique pharmacological activity and with the potential to have a broad impact in cancer. Given the rapid progression of the clinical studies we are quickly expanding the team to support late stage pivotal clinical development and future commercialization of our products.
Position Summary
The successful candidate will be the primary technical lead for Aspyrian's preclinical in vivo pharmacology research program with previous extensive experience with immuno-oncology mouse models. In this role, he/she will contribute to the multidisciplinary research team by designing and executing in vivo studies determining the efficacy of novel anticancer therapeutics. This individual will be expected to participate and present data at weekly research meetings. Furthermore, he/she will be expected to support the multidisciplinary research team by providing tissue samples required for ex vivo analysis. As the technical lead, the successful candidate will also be expected to train all other members of the multidisciplinary research team in the scientific and operational aspects of an in vivo pharmacology program. In alignment with the Aspyrian company culture, the individual will be expected to perform these duties in a highly collaborative manner with other members of the multidisciplinary research team, and will also have the opportunity to learn and grow in other team functions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Be the key technical leader for in vivo pharmacology group to supporting the translational research team.
- Serve as a study leader for in vivo pharmacology studies, directly responsible for designing the study plan in collaboration with the Translational Research team, executing experimental activities, generating and analyzing the experimental data, and presenting the data and conclusions to the Translational Research team.
- Resolve scientific or technical challenges with sophisticated approaches including, as needed, the development and implementation of new assays or new models to test hypotheses and answer complex scientific problems.
- Review and propose the implementation of new scientific and/or technical approaches, technologies and techniques to advance Aspyrian's programs.
- In a team setting, perform in vivo tumor implant studies, with caliper measurement, bioluminescent and fluorescent imaging endpoints.
- Responsible for day-to-day vivarium operations.
- In collaboration with the facilities manager and safety officers, establish, train, and ensure team members operate in compliance with animal care regulations and implement IACUC protocols.
- Maintain a sterile laboratory environment.
- Assist with routine husbandry tasks as needed.
- Keep accurate records and enter data into an electronic laboratory notebook in a timely manner.
- Follow laboratory safety guidelines and practices.
- Contribute to the writing of preclinical reports to support regulatory filings.
- Train and support additional personnel to manage and execute complex experimental testing and models.
- Support, monitor and audit in vivo GLP toxicology studies with CROs performing testing of Aspyrian therapeutics.
- Evaluate literature for selection of robust immuno-oncology models for monotherapy and combination studies.
- Validate immuno-oncology mouse models for tumor growth at both primary and secondary sites.
Desired Education, Skills and Experience
- B.S. or M.S. plus minimum 12+ years of in vivo pharmacology experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical industry setting.
- Superior technical expertise with standard in vivo techniques, including dosing and sampling routes (e.g., po, ip, sc, iv dosing; submandibular, retro-orbital, cardiac bleeds; necropsy and organ/tumor harvest) is required.
- Experience with both immune-competent and immune-deficient models is required.
- Demonstration of competency of mouse surgical techniques (stereotactic implants, orthotopic implants, cannulations etc.).
- Experience with sterile technique for in vitro cell culture is preferred.
- Excellent communication skills, organizational skills and the ability to work independently and in a team environment are essential.
- Excellent emotional Intelligence and sound character.
- Able to follow SOPs and manage multiple simultaneous tasks with minimal supervision.
- Able to occasionally work weekends as study schedules dictate.
- Alignment with Aspyrian Values.
We offer a competitive compensation plan with an excellent benefits package including flexible time off, stock options, 401k, medical, dental, vision plans and more.
Aspyrian Therapeutics Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.