Scientist II – Translational Sciences (Contract)

We have an immediate opening for a contract Scientist within our Translational Sciences group. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) contract position with a duration of 6 months.

This individual will join a team focused on discovery and advancement of tissue-specific delivery of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules. The primary responsibility of this position will be to design and manage preclinical in vivo and in vitro experiments supporting one or more of Pliant’s tissue-specific delivery platforms.

• Plan, design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments related to Pliant’s novel drug delivery platform
• Design and manage experiments run at external CROs to advance our understanding of tissue-specific drug delivery platforms across multiple disease indications
• Advance drug discovery programs by interacting with and communicating results to interdisciplinary team
• Manage and supervise the day-to-day work of one or more Research Associates including training and coaching
• Contribute to development and adoption of new technologies
• Provide support for various research team projects using dynamic prioritization
• Actively lead and/or participate in project meetings
• Prepare detailed protocols, document experimental observations, analyze data promptly, and maintain accurate, well-organized records
• Evaluate and clearly report experimental results to research team on a routine basis

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology or related field, with 2+ years industry experience in drug development
• Expertise in cardiovascular, autoimmune, immuno-oncology or fibrotic disease preferred
• Experience designing wet-lab assays that utilize basic cell biology laboratory procedures including cell culture, cell transfection, qRT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry/FACS, Western blot, fluorescent microscopy, immunofluorescence-based staining, etc.
• Having experience working with Operetta CLS High content imaging and Sony Sorter is a plus
• Experience working with iPSC cells is a plus
• Experience designing, managing and analyzing results from in vivo studies evaluating drug PD/efficacy
• Experience with evaluating CROs and managing in vivo and/or in vitro work performed by CROs
• Strong evidence of conceptual thinking, active follow-through, and vigorous scientific curiosity
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Candidate should be flexible with rapid changes in schedule based on scope/prioritization of projects
• Candidate should exhibit strong, positive attitude for teamwork and learning
• Ability to thrive in a culture of respect, accountability, transparency, and collaboration

The hourly rate for this role is $71/hr – $79/hr. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training.