Senior Scientist In Vivo - Dermatology > Mountain View CA

JOB Description

Turn Biotechnologies is currently seeking a qualified, highly motivated individual for the position of Senior Scientist In Vivo.

The employee will be a highly motivated and innovative individual responsible for the scientific/technical aspects of evaluating novel mRNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of age-related skin indications using in vivo model systems. This lab-based position will be critical to the development and evaluation of Turn’s cutting-edge technology and play an integral role in growing the dermatology pipeline. We are seeking a person with an entrepreneurial mindset, ready to work on an exciting program with deep knowledge in cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, as well as expertise and interest in applying cutting-edge techniques such as confocal microscopy, high content screening, and FACS analysis. This person will lead and contribute to the development of mRNA therapeutics and help expand the utility of the company’s core technologies. 

COMPANY

Based in Mountain View, California, Turn Biotechnologies, Inc. is a development-stage company focused on restoring cells’ youthful vigor to repair damage caused by the aging process. Using a proprietary ERA™ Platform, we develop mRNA medicines that are specially formulated to instruct specific cells in the body to fight disease or repair damaged tissue. We do this by reprogramming the epigenome to restore cell function that people often lose as they age. This approach can be used to revitalize different cells throughout the body. We are researching its applicability across multiple therapeutic areas, including dermatology, ophthalmology, osteocartilage, and skeletal muscular indications.

Responsibilities:

Essential duties of the position include:

  • Independently design, execute and analyze experiments and drive translational research 

  • Maintain and communicate findings effectively and clearly in a timely fashion

  • Collaborate with other teams and team members to assess and understand data and disease models

  • Perform specialized functional assay skills in tissue-specific models and experience working with various skin cells (generation, maintenance, differentiation, and validation) 

  • Evaluation of drug delivery, transfection efficiency, and therapeutic efficacy in dermatologic ex vivo and in vivo models using various imaging platforms and clinically relevant assessments

  • In vivo injections of cells or solutions into local tissues - intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular etc.

  • Use a variety of biochemical, cellular, genetic, and pharmacological techniques to advance multiple candidates from discovery research to clinical development

  • Performance of cell-based assays and analytical techniques including qPCR, ELISA, western blotting, imaging, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, FACS, etc.

  • Establishment and maintenance of cell and tissue culture model systems

  • Mentor and manage research assistants and/or laboratory technicians as needed

  • Development, validation, and writing of laboratory protocols, technical reports, abstracts, posters and scientific papers and presentations

  • Development and application of established and novel ex vivo and in vivo model systems, particularly including the use of 3D human skin organoids and human skin explants

Additional duties may include:

  • Specialized functional cell assays specific to designated indication areas

  • Development of specialized functional cell and tissue assays in wound healing, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix, and stem cell niche compartments 

  • Live animal imaging and simple biodistribution and safety measurements

  • Specialized tissue functional assays specific to target indication(s)

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

  • PhD in cellular biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline

  • 7-10 years of extensive industry experience in dermatology-related translational research

  • Experience in small (rodent) animal handling and tissue evaluation

  • Experience in cell and tissue culturing and in vitro assays

  • Experience mentoring and managing in the laboratory setting

  • Autonomous execution capacity

  • Collaboration with team members and across company programs

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Auxiliary:

  • In addition to dermatology, experience in one or more of the focal application areas: Immunology, skeletal muscular, and oncology will be a plus, but not essential

  • Background in gene therapeutics testing 

  • Novel animal model system application and adaptation

REQUIRED Characteristics

  • Ownership mindset

  • Ability to achieve goals and milestones with quality, precision, and speed

  • Problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities

  • Strong work ethic

  • Proactive and organized

  • Quick learner

WHY TURN?

  • We are a close-knit, collaborative team, passionate about anti-aging and longevity to improve age-related disease and the quality of people’s lives

  • You will be a vital part of the company and have tremendous impact on its success

  • Competitive compensation & benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)

  • 401K, FSA, and flexible PTO

  • Employee Assistance Program

Turn Biotechnologies is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.