Senior Scientist, Biology

Company Overview

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Arpeggio Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company using high-throughput transcriptomics to identify modulators of drug targets for the treatment of cancer. Using this unique approach, we have recently discovered a novel molecular glue degrader of the oncogenic transcription factor, Nrf2, which drives cancer progression in a large number of cancer types. Arpeggio is currently focused on defining the patient populations that will be most impacted by such a therapy by using a compendium of cell-based and biophysical approaches. We believe this work to be imperative for lead selection and will support future regulatory filings. 

Position Summary

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The Senior Scientist will support late-stage preclinical programs, helping to inform our clinical strategy. The ideal candidate will have oncology and cell biology expertise with a passion for leading from the bench. They will have a track record of contributing to small molecule drug discovery efforts from lead optimization to IND, overseeing both internal research as well as collaborations with external partners (Contract Research Organizations, academic labs, and pharma partners).  This position will be responsible for elucidating the biology of our targets to confirm therapeutic utility and inform on patient selection and combination strategies.  These efforts will include the design and execution of experiments (biochemical and cell-based) employing program compounds to validate the therapeutic utility of their mechanisms of action, differentiate versus competitor compounds, define their therapeutic index both in vitro and in vivo, predict potential mechanisms of resistance, and identify determinants of sensitivity.

Responsibilities

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• Assist in the development and execution of the translational science strategies to support drug-discovery programs (compound mechanism of action, identification of indications, development of mechanistic biomarkers)
• Leverage expertise in cell and chemical biology to address key questions related to elaboration of target biology, defining compound mechanism of action, resistance and sensitivity
• Analyze and interpret experimental data in a highly rigorous fashion to inform on the design of follow-on experiments to further refine our understanding of target biology and guide future strategic direction
• Provide strategic and/or technical support to various project teams as necessary
• Contribute to written and oral presentations for both internal and external purposes
• Share expertise with organization, particularly in a mentoring/teaching capacity

Experience

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• PhD in biology with 5+ years of post-graduate experience in oncology (industry experience preferred)
• Ability to design and execute experiments with appropriate level of rigor and independence 
• Strong cell culture skills, including the propagation and handling of cancer cell lines and primary cells (including immune cell populations)
• Expertise in genetic manipulation of cells such as transient transfection, viral transduction, stable cell line generation, CRISPR, and shRNA-mediated gene knockdown
• Experience in cellular assay techniques like flow cytometry, western blotting, light and fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, nanoBRET, HTRF, and AlphaLISA platforms
• Strong publication record
• Strong understanding of drug discovery from lead optimization to IND
• Proficient with relevant software platforms including database interfaces, MS Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint), as well as basic statistical analysis software (e.g. PRISM, ExcelFit)
• Exceptional management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Expected to effectively communicate and defend overall scientific approach and results
• Demonstrated ability to thrive independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage priorities
• Excellent attention to detail