(Senior) Systems Immunologist

<h3>What we do</h3> <p>Immune-mediated diseases affect hundreds of millions of people world-wide, but less than 12% of new drugs reach approval, largely due to insufficient pre-clinical understanding of the complex underlying disease biology.</p><br/><p>You will be joining a stealth techbio therapeutics company aimed at disrupting drug discovery in the immunology space – by precisely understanding disease biology through iterative, causal discovery starting from realistic primary patient models. Our founders have authored several landmark publications in the precision medicine space, previously exited a precision medicine startup, and built a unique translational research program in a large pharmatech drug discovery company. As natives of both tech and bio spaces we deeply appreciate the unique irreducible challenges that come with both.</p><br/><p>Consider joining us if you want to co-create innovative tech that addresses a critical unsolved problem at the root of drug discovery: effectively exploring the causal mechanisms of disease using more realistic biological models prior to designing therapeutics.</p> <h3>Your role</h3> <ul><li><p>Design and perform target discovery and validation experiments to help develop the next generation of I&amp;I drugs.</p></li><li><p>Co-develop large scale screening assays (functional, high content microscopy, multi-omics) as part of a unique lab-in-the-loop AI discovery system.</p></li><li><p>Develop screening assays to support early-stage small molecule discovery, from cell engineering and chemical screens, to hit validation studies for hit-to-lead nomination.</p></li><li><p>Be part of a flat cross-functional team that deeply appreciates the challenges of each domain and is determined to make a dent.</p></li><li><p>Grow into a scientific leadership role as the company evolves and communicate your work to internal and external stakeholders.</p></li></ul> <h3>Your profile</h3> <ul><li><p>Ph.D. degree with a focus on systems immunology, cell/molecular biology, or a related field.</p></li><li><p>Proficiency with cell line engineering and standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, KD/KO, qPCR, western blot).</p></li><li><p>Experience with systems biology approaches using CRISPR/Cas9/siRNA, cell-based reporter assays, or chemical screening with multi-omics endpoints.</p></li><li><p>Deep appreciation for reproducibility best practices, e.g. through meticulous recording of experimental parameters in electronic lab notebooks. Familiarity with advanced data management and analysis (R, Python) is a plus, but not required.</p></li><li><p>Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (German not required).</p></li><li><p>Solution-oriented, persistent systems thinker with a proven track record of translating research into practice.</p></li></ul> <h3>What we offer</h3> <ul><li><p>The opportunity to be part of a pioneering, highly collaborative team with a purpose.</p></li><li><p>Healthy participatory culture from the beginning: you will significantly shape company decisions, culture, and strategy.</p></li><li><p>A compensation package including salary, benefits, and an early equity stake with substantial long-term upside.</p></li></ul><p>The base of operations, and main R&amp;D, will be in the Vienna area.</p><br/><p>In keeping with Austrian legal requirements, we advertise a minimum gross yearly salary of 60,000€ for this position. However, the actual salary will be higher, based on the candidates' qualifications and experience.</p>