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Scientist I/II, Molecular and Cellular Biology at Circle Pharma
Onsite/Remote / South San Francisco, CA, US
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Circle Pharma is a dynamic biotech company that has raised $160 million to date from industry-leading investors. We are transitioning into a clinical-stage company, and we’re currently developing a first-in-class precision oncology pipeline that addresses severe unmet medical needs by harnessing a novel, cell-permeable, oral macrocycle platform.
 
We seek candidates who desire to make key contributions to help drive our growth. For more information about Circle Pharma, please see our website, www.circlepharma.com
 
We are looking to add a Scientist I/II, Molecular and Cellular Biology to our growing team. Reporting to our VP of Biology Research, your primary role will be at the bench and includes performing cell-based assays to support drug discovery efforts. Our ideal candidate will have experience investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms as they relate to cancer cell biology, cancer genomic alterations, cell cycle and signal transduction pathways. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in drug discovery efforts and mentor laboratory personnel, at a company with world-class scientific advisors and robust financial backing from top-tier investors. 

What You'll Do:

    • Employ hands-on knowledge of diverse cellular and molecular biology techniques, including state-of-the-art gene targeting technologies, flow cytometry and other cell-based technologies to interrogate drug mechanism of action.
    • Independently develop, optimize and troubleshoot cellular screens and assays.
    • Responsible for data analysis involving quantitative assessment of complex screen results, interpretation and presentation of conclusions to cross functional team members.
    • Work in early drug discovery projects to identify key molecular targets of candidate compounds, including initiation of new projects aligned with the company development strategy to enrich the pipeline.
    • Outline research study strategy and implement laboratory activities to initiate and develop early-stage drug discovery projects in oncology and other therapeutic areas.
    • Lead the implementation of biochemical and cell-based assays for target validation, therapeutic candidate screening, and critical evaluation of data to support multiple drug discovery projects.
    • Generate cellular models to interrogate mechanism of action of novel targets.
    • Employ a broad range of cellular and molecular biology techniques (including flow cytometry, time lapse microscopy and other cell-based assays) to define the mechanism of action of novel targets and their inhibitors.
    • Represent biology in project teams, provide constructive input, and work effectively across multiple functional teams, including but not limited to medicinal and computational chemistry.
    • Mentor and train laboratory personnel.

About You:

    • PhD in Molecular and/or cell biology or related discipline with at least 2 or more years post-doctoral or industry experience preferably in an oncology focused research setting. More years of experience would qualify you as a Scientist II.
    • Possess knowledge of cancer genetics and cellular mechanisms of oncogenesis.
    • Ability to integrate biochemical approaches with cell-based assays to develop understanding of mechanism of action of targets, tool compounds and/or “hits” from screening campaigns.
    • Experience running flow cytometry assays (hands-on experience with cell cycle assays is strongly preferred) and other cellular and biochemical assays including, ELISA, AlphaLISA, Alpha-Screen, Fluorescence Polarization, etc.
    • Experience in developing and/or performing in-cell FRET and/or NanoBRET proximity assays for quantitative measurements of protein-protein interactions.
    • Experience performing cancer cell biology related assays including proliferation assays, apoptosis, cell synchronization and detection of thymidine analogs by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy (Click-it EdU detection, etc.).
    • Experience with genome editing/knock-down approaches (CRISPR/shRNA) for engineering models in cell lines.
    • Self-directed and motivated.
    • Collaborative and good team player.
    • Strong organizational skills and communication skills.
    • Strong leadership skills; prior people management experience is desired.
$107,000 - $138,000 a year
type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, Circle's internal equity, etc.
Circle Pharma recognizes that the success of our endeavors depends on the success of every team member. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, and vision care. We also provide a 401(k) plan with a generous company contribution, and all of our offers contain a stock option component. We provide company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Additionally, we provide many company-paid holidays, including a winter break at the close of the calendar year. 
 
Circle Pharma is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.
 
While COVID-19 has affected the way we operate, we are still hiring, and look forward to receiving your application! Here at Circle Pharma, the health of our team members is a top priority. Our application process for prospective new team members will include initial virtual video interviews and may also include in-person interviews during which we will pay special attention to the distance and hygiene rules recommended by the CDC. We recognize that these are difficult times, and we are doing everything possible to keep our employees safe while also conducting our work to bring new cancer therapies to patients.
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