Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide In Vitro Cell Biologist

Denali•South San Francisco, CA

7d•$147,000 - $191,000

About The Position

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients. We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients. This position will support in vitro screening assays to enable the discovery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics using our Oligonucleotide Transport Vehicle (OTV) platforms. This position contributes to multiple programs across our portfolio as we tackle a range of therapeutic drug targets.

Requirements

Ph.D. in molecular or cell biology with 3 years+ of biotech/biopharma experience, or MS with 8 years+ of relevant experience, or BS with 10 years+ of relevant experience
A deep understanding in oligonucleotide-based activity screening techniques and cell biology
Rapidly adapt, pivot, and investigate the biology of expansion targets across diverse disease areas
Expert in deploying diverse biotechnological tools, including CRISPR, FACS, and high-content imaging, complemented by robust proficiency in computational tools for data analysis and genetic sequencing
A record of scientific leadership and innovation as demonstrated by publications and patents
Maintain a high level of integrity while balancing multiple priorities and responsibilities
Must be a committed team player prepared to work in and embrace a team-based culture
Strong leadership skills with the ability to plan and achieve research goals in an organizationally diverse research environment
Highly skilled in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, steering project strategies, and mentoring emerging scientists
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team
Highly organized with the ability to effectively prioritize individual and group tasks
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

Develop, validate and execute robust HT oligo-based in-vitro screening assays for hit-to-lead identification to support oligo-based drug discovery projects (e.g. 384 well RNA isolation, qPCR, westerns, ELISA, Sequencing, imaging and others)
Develop, advanced cell-based screening techniques by incorporating primary cells, iPSC-derived models, ex vivo systems, and engineered cell lines enhancing precision of therapeutic targeting
Generate high-fidelity screening data to train AI/ML potency prediction and SAR relationships with new chemical modifications
Continually optimize and validate new biological assays for oligo transport vehicles (OTV) to drive identification and characterization of superior oligonucleotide therapeutics at Denali
Serve as oligonucleotide biology representative in project team meetings and discussions
Analyze and interpret complex data, effectively document and communicate results to project teams and provide recommendations
Develop protocols, maintain ELN, and regularly review literature to maintain knowledge of scientific trends and new technologies
Actively participate in interdisciplinary research collaborations with Denali scientists and other leading academic and industrial research groups to advance therapeutic programs through our discovery pipeline
Contribute to the growth and management of our internal oligonucleotide research capabilities
Establish and manage activities at partner contract research organizations