Sr. Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

We are a fully integrated AAV engineering and gene therapy company poised to create the next generation of innovative genetic therapies, with life-changing potential for patients with grievous unmet medical needs.

We leverage our proprietary high-throughput AAV engineering platform to create viral vectors with cell-type and tissue level specificity, overcoming many of the biological limitations of early gene therapy efforts. Combined with our in-house preclinical and manufacturing expertise, we are positioned to create the next generation of AAV delivered gene therapies, dramatically changing the lives of patients.

We are founded on the idea that diverse backgrounds and skill sets combine to create an environment that stimulates innovation and creativity, enabling us to grow into a leader in the AAV gene therapy space. Our leadership team is comprised of the scientific founders that developed the underlying intellectual property, and experienced industry veterans with a track record for bringing transformative drugs to market. Together with our partners, we will combine next generation engineered capsids with innovative gene editing and delivery modalities to bring novel medicines to patients that need them. Our research and development labs, offices, and manufacturing space are located in Thousand Oaks, California, near the Amgen campus.

Sr. Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

We are looking for an experienced, independently motivated, and collaborative in vivo pharmacology expert to advance programs for cardiovascular and CNS disease as part of our pre-clinical research team. The goals of this position are to work with a Director of Preclinical Research to characterize models of cardiovascular and CNS disease and guide the execution of in vivo pharmacology studies. In collaboration with other team members, the candidate will be responsible for designing and executing in vivo studies with behavioral and molecular end points utilizing a variety of preclinical and exploratory methods, including AAV drug delivery, AAV cargo design considerations, cell-specific expression targeting and de-targeting strategies, necropsy, tissue processing, histology, bioanalytical measures, and statistical analyses, to support the selection of development drug candidates and IND applications. Through direct interaction with senior leadership, the candidate will join a very collaborative small team of cross-functional scientists that develops and tests engineered capsids with significantly improved transduction to CNS and select peripheral tissues compared to systemically administered wild-type AAVs. A successful candidate will have a strong background in CNS and cardiovascular disease models, behavioral end-points, protein read-outs (ELISA, WB, Mass Spec), presenting to audiences of different technical levels, and a strong desire to grow and learn at Capsida Biotherapeutics

Responsibilities

• Characterize models of cardiovascular and CNS disease and guide the execution of in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Develop and test disease-relevant behavioral and molecular end-points.
• Present findings to interdisciplinary scientific teams to seek input on key studies and propose data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate both within the team to achieve annual goals, and cross-functionally with teams and programs at Capsida Biotherapeutics.
• Keep up to date with advances in the gene therapy field and novel behavioral and molecular techniques.
• Adhere to thorough documentation of experimental protocols and results.
• A flexible schedule that will be amenable to occasional work on weekends and evenings when necessary to achieve business directed goals.

Essential Qualifications

• PhD with 5+ years of post-graduate experience (or Master’s degree with 11+ years post-graduate experience)
• Experience with disease models of cardiovascular disease
• Strong working knowledge of relevant preclinical research techniques, e.g., behavioral/physiological cardiac read-outs, brain microdissection, histology, and bioanalytical measures such as ELISA
• Experience with statistical analyses, statistical software, data analysis, and data presentation
• Demonstrated capability of generating data-driven hypotheses and designing/developing properly controlled studies/assays for hypothesis testing.
• Highly organized with excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Collaborative mindset and a willingness to work with and provide mentorship to junior research associates.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with disease models of CNS disease
• Industry experience conducting IND-enabling rodent pharmacology
• Experience with gene therapy

Compensation and Benefits:

The well-being of our employees and their families is of the highest importance. As such, we offer a competitive salary and exceptional benefits, including generous stock options, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and significant PTO.

Sr. Scientist Salary: $128,000 - $176,000 per year

Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. You may also be offered a bonus, stock options, and benefits. These ranges are subject to change.

Additionally, we offer:

• Relocation compensation
• Social lunches, happy hours, and other events on a regular basis

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.