Position Summary:
We are seeking a driven, laboratory-focused PhD scientist to join a high-priority program aimed at dissecting mechanisms of cancer biology using advanced cellular and molecular techniques. The role requires technical fluency, strong analytical thinking, and a commitment to rigorous experimentation. The successful candidate will work closely with a dynamic team to unravel the mechanistic underpinnings of a novel therapeutic target and to advance our small-molecule discovery efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to foundational biology in support of a pioneering cancer biology discovery program. Position level will be commensurate with experience.
What you’ll do:
- Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot in vitro experiments to interrogate target function, pathway modulation, and drug mechanism of action
- Perform cellular assays involving gene perturbation (siRNA/shRNA, CRISPR), overexpression systems, and pharmacologic perturbations
- Apply a variety of molecular and cellular techniques to investigate cell signaling, trafficking, immune-relevant phenotypes, and synthetic lethal dependencies
- Generate and interpret high-quality data, with a strong emphasis on quantitative rigor, reproducibility, and mechanistic insight
- Interface closely with the project team to align experimental approaches with translational and therapeutic objectives
- Present findings clearly and regularly in cross-functional meetings and contribute to the strategic evolution of the program
Requirements:
- PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics or a related discipline; 4-5+ years of postdoctoral or industry (preferred) experience
- Deep expertise in tumor biology, including cancer genomics, cancer cell biology, exploitation of cancer vulnerabilities (synthetic lethality) and oncogenic signaling
- Demonstrated ability to drive hypothesis-driven research at the bench with minimal supervision
- Broad technical expertise in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and analytical methods
- Expertise in mammalian tissue culture, cell-based viability and proliferation assays, and multi-parametric flow cytometry
- Hands-on experience with gene expression (qRT-PCR, RNA prep), protein analysis (Western blot, ELISA, HTRF, MSD), microscopic analyses (confocal), and functional genomics screens
- Experience developing and optimizing mechanistic assays to explore protein function, degradation, trafficking, or immune signaling is highly desirable
- Ability to think critically, synthesize data across platforms, and communicate clearly across diverse scientific audiences
- Familiarity with computational tools for data analysis and visualization is a plus
- Previous experience working with CROs or external collaborators is a plus
Nice-To-Haves
- Intellectual curiosity and scientific rigor balanced with a practical, execution-first mindset
- Energized by fast-paced, discovery-stage science in a highly collaborative environment
- Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with scientific ambiguity and iteration
- Strong communicator who thrives in a matrixed team and contributes to a culture of accountability, inclusion, and scientific excellence
Pay: From $70.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What types of in vitro cancer biology assays have you independently designed, executed, and troubleshot?
- What is your experience with mammalian tissue culture, viability/proliferation assays, and pathway modulation studies?
- Have you used siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR, or overexpression systems to interrogate target function?
- Do you have hands-on experience with qRT-PCR, RNA prep, Western blot, ELISA, HTRF, MSD, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy?
- Have you worked on synthetic lethality, cancer vulnerabilities, oncogenic signaling, or functional genomics screens?
- Have you supported small-molecule drug discovery or mechanism-of-action studies?
Work Location: In person
