Senior Scientist, Molecular & Synthetic Biology

The Company:   

WHAT IF THE SECRET OF HEALTH LIES AT THE CENTER OF DISEASE? At Sonata Therapeutics, we are designing Network Medicines(TM) 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 the expansion of our R&D capabilities, we are currently on the hunt for a creative Senior Scientist, Molecular & Synthetic Biology to advance and expand Sonata’s platform technology.

As a Senior Scientist, you will work cross-functionally to support the continuous development of the Sonata’s target discovery platform. You will advance gene editing tools and novel assays for genome-wide screens. You will also contribute to exploratory projects to develop clear biological hypotheses for network medicines.  

Sonata Therapeutics offers the challenge and opportunity to work at an early-stage, big concept biotechnology company. You will be essential to contribute to the expansion of our portfolio of programs through the discovery of novel targets.

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

• Expands the platform’s capabilities of identifying and validating novel network medicine targets through the generating genetic perturbation tools, developing novel immunological and phenotypical assays and implementation of novel technologies that add values.
• Advances research projects by demonstrating technical expertise, scientific rigor and problem-solving creativity in the platform’s exploratory team, and broad knowledge of related disciplines.
• Analyzes complex data with high degree of sophistication, connecting disparate datasets to reach conclusions and set direction on experiments. Contributes strong scientific acumen to enable projects and advance the research agenda.
• Effectively communicates and collaborates in cross-functional experimental teams to achieve project goals, influence the research pipeline, mentor junior staff, and provide training.
• Maintains a strong understanding of theoretical knowledge and a connection to the external scientific community through continuous evaluation of relevant literature.
• May represent the organization at external conferences and by contributing to publication of scientific papers and patents. Participates in external collaborations.

As a Strong candidate, you will possess:  

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Oncology, Immunology, or related field and 3+ years' experience of relevant research experience within biotech/pharma industry or equivalent combination of education/experience is required.
• Demonstrated mechanistic understanding of disease biology in oncology and immuno-oncology in the context of drug development.
• Deep knowledge and hands-on molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to cloning using different methods, PCR, Western Blotting, DNA/RNA purification, gel electrophoresis and subcloning.
• Required proficiency in mammalian cell culture, transfection, gene editing techniques (CRISPR, RNAi etc.) and standard in vitro immunology assays, including but not limited to multicolor flow cytometry and microscopy
• Knowledge and hands-on experience of genome-wide screening is a plus
• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies desired but not required
• Must have experience and the ability to think critically and develop creative ideas to contribute to strategic decision-making.  
• Must possess the ability to adapt to and leverage your superior problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment and the flexibility to change priorities as needed.  
• Superior verbal/presentation communications skills required to effective collaborate in cross-functional teams to meet milestones and make deliverables. 

 

Sonata Therapeutics and Flagship Pioneering are committed to equal employment opportunity