Senior Scientist, Biomarkers & Immunology - 4D Molecular Therapeutics

Attention recruitment agencies: All agency inquiries are vetted through 4DMT’s internal Talent Acquisition team. No unsolicited resumes will be accepted. The 4DMT Talent Acquisition team must expressly engage agencies on any requisition. Agencies contacting hiring managers directly will not be tolerated, and doing so may impact your ability to work with 4DMT in the future.

 

4DMT is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company harnessing the power of directed evolution for targeted genetic medicines. We seek to unlock the full potential of gene therapy using our platform, Therapeutic Vector Evolution (TVE), which combines the power of directed evolution with our approximately one billion synthetic AAV capsid-derived sequences to invent evolved vectors for use in our products. We believe key features of our targeted and evolved vectors will help us create targeted product candidates with improved therapeutic profiles. These profiles will allow us to treat a broad range of large market diseases, unlike most current genetic medicines that generally focus on rare or small market diseases.  

Company Differentiators: 

•    Fully integrated clinical-phase company with internal manufacturing
•    Demonstrated ability to move rapidly from idea to IND
•    Five candidate products in the clinic and two declared pre-clinical programs
•    Robust technology and IP foundation, including our TVE and manufacturing platforms
•    Initial product safety and efficacy data substantiates the value of our platforms
•    Opportunities to expand to other indications and modalities within genetic medicine

GENERAL ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Scientist role will be within the Biomarkers & Immunology group, part of the Development Sciences department. During AAV therapeutics development, the group performs immunogenicity assessments, biomarker measurements, molecular assays, and exploratory clinical research. Our responsibilities include in-depth data analysis, interpretation, and bioanalytical method development. Methods are then rigorously validated at CROs to characterize their performance and ensure that high-quality data are generated. Working closely with multiple cross-functional stakeholders, such as Clinical Sciences, Pharmtox, Clinical Operations, Technology Innovation, and Project Management, our data deliverables and analyses significantly impact key program decisions.

This role will report to a Principal Scientist in the Biomarkers & Immunology group and be part of a talented, motivated, and creative team of scientists who are critical for the success of 4DMT’s mission to develop a deep portfolio of targeted genetic medicines. While on-site presence is required to perform laboratory work, a flexible hybrid work schedule can be accommodated when analyzing data and remotely managing partner organizations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing and designing cutting-edge, innovative bioanalytical assays for preclinical and clinical use in multiple therapeutic areas, e.g., ophthalmology, pulmonology, CNS, etc., through individual hands-on expertise and scientific teamwork
• General areas of assay development will be in ligand-binding assays, cell-based assays, and molecular assays to evaluate immunogenicity, PK, biodistribution, and biomarkers
• Contributing to the operational implementation of assays in non-clinical and clinical studies, including IND-enabling studies
• Designing & executing experiments, analyzing and presenting data to line management and study teams
• Assessing the utility and selection of contract research organizations (CROs), managing technology transfer, overseeing assay method development, qualification and validation
• Effectively mentoring junior-level staff and acting as a resource for scientific expertise
• Maintaining current awareness of scientific literature and actively applying new concepts and technologies
• Supporting research initiatives such as new technology development and platform improvement projects
• Writing and reviewing technical documents, study protocols and reports, manuscripts, and presenting results at scientific meetings
• Maintaining compliance with company Environmental Health and Safety policies, procedures, and practices
• Contributing to building a culture that embraces continuous learning, improvement, and innovation and encourages team members to expand their technical skill base and deepen their gene therapy expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• Degree in Immunology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or related field
  • With a PhD – 8+ years of industry experience, Master’s degree with 10+ years, Bachelors with 12+ years
• Bioanalytical method development, immunogenicity monitoring, and/or biomarker assay development
• Scientific acumen as demonstrated by co-authored publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and ability to work in a matrixed environment
• Prior experience selecting and efficiently managing CROs
• AAV gene therapy

 

Skills:

• Successfully demonstrated ability to work independently in designing, developing, and executing new assay methods
• Competence in use of MesoScale Discovery platform instruments and other plate-based platforms; protein labeling, detection, and purification techniques
• Experience with tissue culture of primary cells and established cell lines
• Experience with PCR and multicolor flow cytometry
• Ability to multi-task and support more than one project simultaneously
• Highly organized and motivated; strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong work ethic, flexibility, and cooperative can-do attitude
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team-based environment; supportive of multiple viewpoints and approaches
• Strong communication skills (both written and oral) with demonstrated ability to present ideas, information and data effectively via one-on-one discussions, team meetings, and external partnership interactions
• Understanding and knowledge of key scientific software programs (including standard microplate readers with SoftMax software, Microsoft Office, JMP or Prism, Adobe Photoshop).

 

Base salary compensation range: $160,000 - $180,000

Please note the base salary compensation range and actual salary offered to the final candidate depends on various factors: the candidate’s geographical location, relevant work experience, skills, and years of experience.

4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran, and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities