Senior Research Associate, Discovery Biology

Light Horse Therapeutics is a small molecule drug discovery company based in San Diego, employing tools from chemical and computational biology, in conjunction with precision genome editing methods to identify functional/ ligandable sites on high value oncology protein targets for therapeutic intervention. Light Horse therapeutics was founded by leading academics Brian Liau (Harvard), Ben Cravatt (Scripps), and Nathanael Gray (Stanford) with initial financial backing from Versant Ventures and Mubadala Capital.

Light Horse Therapeutics is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate to join the Discovery Biology group. The candidate will contribute to the early discovery strategies for high value, challenging oncology targets. The candidate will have the opportunity to employ multiple experimental techniques in cell biology to build an understanding of novel target biology in a dynamic start-up environment that employs cutting-edge tools in functional genomics and proteomic technologies.

Job Description:

• Develop key cellular assays for discovery of small molecule inhibitors of protein targets
• Employ multiple techniques to perturb and understand protein function (e.g. siRNA, RNAi, CRISPR, reporter assays, and others)
• Conduct weekly cell-based high-throughput screening to generate data packages and identify active small molecules
• Engage in experimental planning, analysis, interpretation, and independently execute experiments.
• Manage data and perform diligent and timely record-keeping
• Communicate science and data effectively in team meetings and cross-functional settings
• Position requires benchwork responsibilities

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Biology or related discipline with 3-5 years hands-on research experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment.
• Expertise in initial development and optimization of in vitro cell-based assays(e.g.: luciferase reporters, HiBiT, HTRF, BRET assay systems) to investigate cell biology is required.
• Expertise in cell line engineering, siRNA/shRNA, qPCR, mammalian cell transfection, lentiviral production and transduction is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture, managing multiple cell lines simultaneously, and preparing cells for multiple concurrent assays.
• Previous experience in developing and running high throughput small molecule assays is preferred.
• Desire and demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative, focused and fast-paced, and energetic research team.
• Desire to learn new techniques and take on challenging experiments to accomplish goals with aggressive timelines.
• Strong communication skills in conveying scientific concepts and data, along with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams, are essential.
• Attention to detail and excellent documentation skills.

We offer a competitive total compensation package, as well as working in a supportive team environment.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, CA is $73,000 to $115,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.