Scientist, Biology
Variant Bio
Variant Bio is a Seattle-based biotechnology company leveraging the power of human genetic diversity to develop life-saving therapies. To achieve this goal, we are studying the genes of people who are outliers for medically relevant traits, then translating insights from this research into the discovery and development of new therapeutics.
Variant Bio has raised $130mm to support the rapid advancement of the company’s research and development work. Our investors include Lux Capital, Alta Partners, General Catalyst, SoftBank Vision Fund, Cercano Management and Casdin Capital, among others. Our growing team of geneticists, medical researchers, biologists, and drug hunters is working to advance multiple projects through target validation, lead optimization, and into the clinic, in relentless pursuit of our goal to bring life-saving therapies to patients.
Ethics is at the foundation of everything we do at Variant Bio. Our genomic research studies are co-designed with local partners around the world. In addition, we are committed to sharing tangible benefits with research partners and communities through our unique Benefit-sharing Program and Affordable Medicines Pledge.
Variant Bio is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Job Description
We seek an exceptional Scientist with experience in molecular biology, and/or cell biology to be part of an integrated R&D team. The successful candidate would have a track record of implementing a range of preclinical drug discovery techniques to uncover novel biology and develop assays for therapeutic programs. Candidates with prior industry experience as a biology lead/team representative or in previous project leadership roles are strongly preferred. Since we are a growing start-up, we also seek creative thinkers, agile learners and candidates with an unwavering willingness to do what is necessary to help build the company and mature a human-genetics-backed therapeutic pipeline. Our current disease areas of interest include inflammation, immunology, kidney disease, and fibrosis.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement robust functional assays to support the identification and characterization of novel drugs.
- Target validation - develop the appropriate bioassays to link disease-causing genetic variants to their relevant genes, cell types, molecular pathways and disease phenotypes.
- Perform routine cell culture in addition to the isolation, characterization, and manipulation of primary human/mouse cells.
- Responsible for establishing and managing CRO relationships.
- Help in the identification and assessment of new technologies.
- Diligent record keeping in electronic lab notebooks and adherence to protocols.
- Effectively communicate scientific results to internal and external audiences.
- Contribute to scientific publications.
Qualifications
- BA or Masters and 8+ years of experience or PhD and 2-3 years of experience in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology or related field. Industry experience is required.
- Experience with a range of molecular and cell biology techniques and readouts (e.g. tissue culture, cell line generation, manipulation and characterization, qPCR, Western blot, ELISA/MSD, immunostaining/fluorescence microscopy, biochemical activity assays, flow).
- Experience with assay platforms and the ability to develop robust cell-based or biochemical plate-reader based assays or techniques to support drug discovery. Experience with in vivo pharmacology approaches (e.g. in mouse) is a plus. Ability to work across cross-functional teams and support more than one project.
- Prior experience as a biology team representative or team lead is a plus.
- Proven record in establishing connections with CROs and collaborators.
- Familiarity with the process by which therapeutics and/or diagnostics are discovered and developed.
- Familiarity with data analysis/visualization software such as GraphPad, FlowJo, and electronic lab notebooks.
- Strong people skills and an ability & willingness to work on a multidisciplinary R&D team.
- Independent, creative, detail-oriented, and a critical thinker.
- Compelled by the company’s mission of great science, a strong ethical stance, and benefit sharing.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to be part of a well funded and highly innovative biotech.
- Competitive, industry leading salary, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) plan through Fidelity that includes up to 3% employer match and flexible investment options.
- Flexible paid time off.
- Choice of public transportation (Orca Card) provided by the company or subsidized parking.
- Centrally located Eastlake, Seattle location in a new Alexandria building with modern facilities.
Anticipated annual base salary for this position is $115,000 - $140,000 plus up to 10% bonus and an options package, for total compensation of up to $126,500 - $154,000, plus equity options.
The annual salary range above is based on the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Individual salary and job title will commensurate with experience.
Don't meet every single requirement but are excited to join the Variant Bio team? If your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.