Working within Fractyl's Gene Therapy Research Team, the Sci II / Senior Scientist will be integral to the discovery and development of next generation AAV-based gene therapies for the treatment and cure of diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic diseases. Successful candidates will be responsible for contributing to Fractyl's lead and pipeline programs with a primary focus on designing, screening, and characterizing genetic constructs targeting metabolic diseases. Achieving this goal will also require developing and optimizing necessary disease models and bioanalytical assays. With a desire to overcome obstacles, the Sci II / Senior Scientist will drive programs forward and ensure timely and effective accomplishment of program goals in close collaboration with the Gene Therapy Research team and external CROs and collaborators.
- Contribute to the characterization of Fractyl's lead gene therapy program as it advances to the clinic.
- Pioneer new programs in Fractyl's gene therapy pipeline from Discovery to Development Candidate nomination.
- Design and optimize genetic constructs to maximize therapeutic effect, including regulatory elements (cell/tissue-specific expression), transgene features (activity), and AAV serotype selection (tropism).
- Perform in vitro screening to assess specificity and efficacy of candidate genetic constructs.
- Develop, optimize, and conduct molecular assays to assess specificity, activity and safety.
- Support generation of biodistribution and transgene expression data and/or other bioanalysis of samples from ex vivo and in vivo studies, as needed.
- Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analysis of experimental results.
- Maintain a highly organized and comprehensive electronic lab notebook documenting all work (ELN).
- Identify and bring to Fractyl new technologies, vector concepts, scientific principles, and theories to support our gene therapy mission.
- Mentor, train, and develop junior research scientists.
- Perform all activities in compliance with applicable regulations, Fractyl's policies and guidelines, including, but not limited to, timely documentation of activities and maintaining all required applicable training.
- Bring a "can do" spirit to work and deliver on other responsibilities as assigned.
- PhD in Biology, Biomedical engineering, or other relevant research fields.
- 3-5+ years of highly relevant post-PhD experience either in an academic or industry environment.
- Applicable experience in biotech, pharmaceutical and/or medical device industries preferred.
- Prior vocational experience in related fields a plus (i.e. Co-Ops, Internships, Fellowships, etc.).
- Management and/or mentorship experience of associate scientists and/or scientists preferred.
- Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture, DNA transfection, and viral transduction (strong preference for experience with AAV).
- Expertise in DNA construct design producing effective gene therapy expression cassettes, including the use of required software (e.g., Benchling, Snapgene, etc.) and the ability to devise cloning/assembly strategies.
- Experience in the design, optimization, and execution of molecular assays quantitating, e.g., gene expression levels, viral titer, protein activity, etc.
- Experience with a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as molecular cloning, DNA/RNA/Protein purification, PCR including ddPCR and qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting, ELISAs, bioassays, plate-based luminescence/colorimetric assays etc., with the ability to learn, troubleshoot, and execute for the goals of the team.
- (Preferred) Past experience in metabolic disease, e.g., T2D, T1D, obesity, etc.
- Experience and/or willingness to work with small and large animal models and tissues as needed to drive forward program goals.
- Contributions to programs that have progressed from discovery research to IND/CTA is highly desirable.
- Track record of challenging oneself to enhance scientific and professional abilities.
- Evidence of "hands-on" experience and expertise.
- Ability to lead fast-paced projects with a keen sense of urgency to get the job done well.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with a passion to deliver quality results.
- Self-motivated and the ability to work independently while working towards common team goals.
- Proven and successful track record as a team-player and collaborator in small working environments.
- Drives high standards for individual, team, and organizational accomplishment.
- Demonstrated record of intellectual curiosity, innovation and creative problem solving with an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Exhibits an exceptional degree of sustained ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience translating technical concepts into user-friendly documentation.
- Successful track record of working in high-growth and dynamic organizations.
- Highest levels of professionalism, confidence, personal values, and ethical standards.
- Limited travel may be required for the role (<5%) for conference attendance and facilitating external collaborations.
The description and requirements outlined above are general; additional requirements may apply.