Research Associate, Drug Discovery

tl;dr

General Proximity is a seed-stage startup developing the next generation of induced proximity medicines (IPMs). Our OmniTAC drug discovery engine furnishes molecules that co-opt existing cellular machinery to overcome therapeutic challenges which have remained unapproachable to other modalities for decades.

We are seeking a first-rate research associateto help us pioneer this uncharted frontier of drug discovery.

Our Story

A long-standing challenge in drug discovery is the development of molecules capable of modulating difficult or undruggable targets. Disease-causing proteins can be dysfunctional in many different ways but our armamentarium for fixing them is quite limited. The most common mechanism of action for FDA-approved drugs is inhibition1 but there are many other possible perturbation types whose potential remains unrealized.

General Proximity is a seed-stage drug discovery company developing a novel platform technology to solve this problem. We make bifunctional drugs that induce the modification of drug targets by existing cellular machinery (rather than through direct modulation by the drug the classical approach).

Historically the development of technologies that allow one to push new buttons in biology has been an incredibly fertile field for the discovery of new medicines2 3 4 and our technology holds the same promise.

The Position

We are seeking an experienced Research Associate to be a key member of our Platform/Drug Discovery this position you will work in close conjunction with our Biology Team in the development of our core drug discovery technology and the generation of a completely novel class of therapeutics.

Your responsibilities will include: designing and executing experiments independently or in collaboration with senior researchers contributing to the development and optimization of experimental protocols and assays preparation and handling of biological samples including mammalian cell cultures performing advanced laboratory techniques and methodologies data analysis and interpretation under the guidance of senior researchers and recording and organizing experimental data accurately and efficiently.

About You

High Agency. Initiative independence and self-accountability are some of our most valued traits.

Enthusiastic. We love people who are excited about what they are doing and are generally attempting to build a high-energy team.

Intensity and Grit. Early-stage startups are hard. Drug discovery is doubly so. We are looking for candidates who have a demonstrated ability to stick with complex problems for the long haul with a team that has your back along the way.

Prosocial. We are here to create life-saving medicines for the patients who need it most. You should be too.

Qualifications & Nice-To-Haves

• BS or MS in Biology Biochemistry Molecular Biology or a related field.
• Industry experience is desirable but the ability to work hard and learn fast is more important to us.
• Deep understanding of small-molecule drug discovery and its relationship to human disease.
• Top-notch written and oral communication skills.
  
  
• Proficiency in:
  • Mammalian cell culture passaging/seeding cells aseptic technique
  • Molecular biology/cloning PCR and other common biology techniques like western blotting flow cytometry microscopy and biochemical assays
  • Assay development and optimization
  • Strong understanding of basic biological principles and laboratory techniques
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team

• Nice To Have:
  • 2 years of post-degree experience
  • Experience with HTS and phenotypic cell-based assay development
  • Transient/stable protein expression and purification immunoprecipitation assays
  • Experience working with CRISPR-Cas systems
  • Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g. Prism) and statistical tools
  • Familiarity with automatic robotic dispensers liquid handlers
  • Prior experience on teams that have successfully advanced research to the clinic

Benefits

• Strong equity incentives. We are looking for candidates who will bring a strong sense of ownership to drive their project areas forward and we believe that you deserve to be compensated accordingly.
• Top tier medical dental and vision coverage One Medical membership.
• 401(k) retirement plans.
• Education and health/fitness incentive programs.
• Meditation retreatsdo a ten-day Vipassana retreat without counting towards vacation days.
• Reading budget! We will buy you books.
• Located in the MBC BioLabs at 135 Mississippi Street an entrepreneurial hub full of the best scientists and operators the Bay Area has to offer. Our lab is a very short walk from the 22nd St Caltrain Station and a number of wonderful restaurants and cafés.

About Us

Work Hard/Play Hard. We believe time is our most valuable commodity so we strive to create a culture that reflects this. We wont drag you through unnecessary meetings or email you at 7 PM on a Saturday. When were at work were there to get things done and when were off were really off.

Strong Communication. We like well-written documents over PowerPoints OKRs over vague mission statements and weekly one-on-ones over yearly reviews.

Writing First. We have a writing-first culture. We believe that clarity of writing reflects clarity of thinking and that the benefits of well-written documentation in a scientific environment are innumerable: democratization of ideation and decision-making increased reproducibility quicker scaling and onboarding and better company-wide alignment to name a few.

Growth. As an early-stage startup we value scientists with an independent can-do attitude. The more hats you can wear the better. Our job as employers is to put you in positive feedback loops so you can grow in the direction of your choosing.

Title and compensation commensurate with experience. Applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds women and members of underrepresented minority groups are particularly welcomed. We look forward to hearing from you. :)

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