Scientist, Protein Science
Position Description
Juvena Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated protein scientist to join us as our new Scientist of Protein Science, who will be an integral part of our drug discovery platform expansion to include new molecular scaffolds such as antibodies and other biologics. We are searching for an individual who is excited to work as a leader in an intimate and small team focused on the discovery, preclinical validation, and clinical translation of novel protein therapeutics for chronic and rare degenerative diseases. The Protein Science team is responsible for the selection, design, and optimization of therapeutic drug candidates with immense impact on cell and tissue regeneration. The ideal candidate will have expertise in classical screening methodologies as well as computational protein design to increase our hit rates. Reporting to the Director of Protein Science, the Scientist will be a key part in growing our competencies and throughput in this team.
Company Summary
Juvena Therapeutics is on a mission to discover and develop biologics for rare and chronic degenerative diseases by mining the secretomes of human pluripotent stem cells through a machine learning (ML)-enhanced platform. Juvena’s approach integrates proteomics, transcriptomics and imaging with phenotypic human in vitro disease model screening and extensive preclinical validation to mine stem cell secretomes as a rich source of new medicines for chronic and rare diseases. We are advancing leads for muscular dystrophies, muscle atrophy, injury, and osteopathies. Since our launch in mid-2018, Juvena has discovered and validated 22 hits for neuromuscular, skeletal, and metabolic diseases. Juvena is advancing a lead program for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, a rare autosomal dominant, progressive muscle-wasting disease.
Juvena Therapeutics has secured venture capital, NIH, and CIRM funding to develop their top lead to a clinical-stage investigational new drug, to build their stem cell secretome database, and to leverage their discovery platform to rapidly identify and validate novel protein-based drug candidates for multiple rare and chronic diseases across inflammatory, cardiometabolic and hepatic therapeutic areas. At Juvena we embrace a diversity of backgrounds, experience and approaches that all combine to lead us to world-class scientific results in an inclusive environment.
- Perform key steps in lead optimization process of promising hits from Juvena’s proprietary stem cell-derived protein library to identify candidates with great potential for drug development in various therapeutic areas
- Optimize the activity, stability, and pharmacokinetics of identified protein candidates by amino acid and post-translational modification to reach a desired target product profile
- Develop and optimize upstream and downstream methods, including protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterization
- Support early discovery and preclinical development by providing protein and analytical expertise to advance pipeline projects
- Present at group, company, and external meetings/conferences
- Contribute to a dynamic and exciting culture that embraces teamwork and innovation
- Maintain flexibility in supporting multiple discovery and preclinical projects as the company grows
Position Requirements and Experience
- PhD in biochemistry or another relevant field with 2-4 years of experience (or equivalent experience in industry) with a preference for candidates that have previously worked with biologics drug discovery.
- Post-PhD experience is preferred, but not required.
- Demonstrated hands-on expertise in expressing and purifying proteins in a high throughput manner in different expression systems (E.coli, mammalian, baculovirus and yeast).
- Proficiency in analytical characterization
- Ability to perform protein expression, purification, characterization and data analysis independently
- A strong track record of research accomplishments in protein design and protein engineering
- Excellent communication and technical writing skills
- Ability to work effectively with others in a dynamic environment
- Previous experience with optimizing mammalian and E.coli expression systems
- Experience with protein variant structure-activity relationships
- Familiar with one or more structural modeling programs such as Rosetta, MOE, Schrodinger, etc
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary and annual bonus and stock options
- Health/Dental/Vision insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- More benefits coming soon (including initiation of 401(k) matching program)
Apply Now
To apply for this position please complete the form below. Once the form is complete, email your CV and Cover Letter to apply@juvenatherapeutics.com with the title of the position as the subject line.