Principal Scientist, Biochemistry & Assay Development

The Company:    

WHAT IF THE SECRET OF HEALTH LIES AT THE CENTER OF DISEASE? At Sonata Therapeutics, we are designing therapeutics that reprogram diseased cells to become the coordinators of cure.   

Through a combination of our proprietary genetic library, comprehensive biochemical and functional characterization, and the latest advancements in machine learning algorithms, we are generating a deep understanding of how to reshape multicellular networks to guide the development of transformative therapeutics. While initially focused on oncology, our network-based approach is applicable across many intractable diseases. 

Sonata Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an organization dedicated to the origination and development of first-in-category life sciences companies.  Since 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered the development of nearly 100 scientific ventures resulting in $20+ billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents.   

   

The Position:    

Due to our success, we are currently searching for a creative, collaborative Principal Scientist, Biochemistry & Assay Development, to support and drive early small molecule drug discovery programs.

As a Principal Scientist, you and your team will be dedicated to conducting biochemical and biophysical studies of small molecule targets. Your ultimate goal is to provide leadership and assistance for the discovery and development of small-molecule clinical candidates.  To accomplish this goal you and your team will identify new chemical entities and validate their mechanism and functional activity.  You will be part of a multi-disciplined team including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular and cellular biology.  In addition to directing and mentoring your own team you will oversee external research activities and studies conducted by contract research organizations.

Sonata Therapeutics offers the challenge and opportunity to work at an early-stage, big-concept biotechnology company. Your efforts will directly impact the expansion of our R&D portfolio and existing, early-stage research programs, as well as first-in-human clinical studies within the next 18 months that will lead to the development of new, life-changing, innovative therapies.  

 

You will be making a significant impact by...  

• Provide day-to-day scientific, managerial, and organizational leadership. Develop, mentor and supervise a high-performing protein sciences team
• Independently design, oversee and interpret results from diverse biochemistry, biophysical, and cell-based experiments  projects across all phases of discovery and development;
• Optimize all aspects in the development and optimization of new and existing biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Design expression strategies and support reagent generation to enable HTP screening and biophysical/structural characterization (including SPR, NMR, X-ray and cryo-EM)
• Communicate on a regular basis to research project teams and other key stakeholders to present findings, key next steps, and recommendations to ensure timely progression towards project goals
• Engage in and/or advise cross-functional projects and communities, to influence and maintain alignment across the matrix in strategic areas of technical advancement;
• Maintain detailed records (such as Electronic Laboratory Notebook) and required documentation, and contribute to trade secrets, intellectual property, and publications
• Operate and troubleshoot instrumentation and solve problems autonomously using multiple, complex data sources;
• Demonstrate a sustained high level of technical skill and achievement, keeping abreast of new science and technological developments, and exploit them to continuously improve functional area capabilities.

 

As an excellent candidate, you will possess:   

• A Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or related field, with 8 or more years of relevant experience within the life science industry,including 5+ years of experience with protein technologyis required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in protein purification, development of biochemical assays, and structural biology are required.
• Familiarity with chromatography hardware and software (GE AKTA, Agilent HPLC)
• Previous experience in biochemical assay development and execution, including enzymology
• Excellent communication skills across all levels within an organization and external with the ability to lead and influence others in a highly matrixed work. .
• Comfortable