Description
Orionis Biosciences is looking for experienced scientists to join our transatlantic, interdisciplinary research team and help advance our science, technology and drug discovery & development efforts. This position is based at our headquarters overlooking the Cambridge reservoir in Waltham, MA.
The integrated nature of our discovery approaches, and operating culture, requires uncompromised and well-organized teamwork between talented individuals with diverse skill sets. This applies to all positions across the company. You will be challenged to apply your individual skill sets in team settings to advance project objectives in the most efficient manner possible, and to effectively problem solve - while in the process having the opportunity to expanding your own skill sets, knowledge base, personal growth and career.
The main focus and responsibility of this position is to help advance the company's technology and portfolio in genome-scale small molecule (SM) drug discovery. This includes advancing existing programs and/or initiating new ones, including coordination with colleagues at our research facility in Ghent (Belgium), and external collaborators, as applicable.
General responsibilities include
Implement and/or participate in programs that deploy the company's SM ligand-target interaction technologies in screening, hit-to-lead and lead optimization programs
Technology development to further broaden the company's capabilities, drug discovery efficiency and nature of possible discovery programs
Integrate understanding of both biological and medical significance, and pharmaceutical property requirements, in program selection, design and execution
Diligent program management, including coordination and supervision of internal and external (e.g., CROs) research activities
Requirements
Ph.D. in biology-related discipline and relevant drug discovery experience in small molecule drug discovery (3+ years)
Self-motivating individual, driven by creativity and desire to execute to achieve impact through diligent work ethics, motivated by efficient translation of ideas into experimental execution with the objective to develop mechanism of action-qualified therapeutic products
Specific skill sets we are looking for in applicants include several among the following
Strong understanding of target classes and protein domain structures/functions present in various targets and relevant to many therapeutic areas - and relatable to our genome-scale discovery efforts
Prior expertise in E3 ligase and/or protein degradation science and technology, including molecular glues
Prior expertise in transcription factor biology and drug discovery
Solid knowledge base in oncology or immunology (biology, targets of interest etc.) is a plus
Solid, basic understanding of genomics/transcriptomics and proteomics
Technically proficient in recombinant DNA technology, protein expression and purification, standard cell biology techniques. Immunology-related assay expertise is a plus
Technically proficient in standard in vitro biochemical assays used in drug discovery, with special emphasis on SM ligand-protein interaction analysis (e.g., use of some of the following: affinity chromatography, HTRF, ELISA, MSD, Alpha screen and SPR assay formats, use of microfluidics-based assays etc.)
Familiar with state-of-the art standard laboratory equipment
Familiar with or necessary knowledge base for rapid assimilation of specific assay techniques (flow cytometry, single cell analysis, CyTOF immune profiling assays etc.) for certain types of drug mechanism of action studies
Understanding of basic tenets of SM in vivo pharmacology and related considerations in lead optimization
Knowledge or interest in integrating automation features in laboratory processes
Proven record of scientific accomplishments
Ability to multitask and contribute to multiple projects under demanding timelines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to contribute to, and influence teams in a cross-functional matrix environment
