Senior Scientist, Product Discovery

Capstan Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company dedicated to advancing in vivo cell reprogramming. The core platform technology comprises proprietary targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) that are composed of LNPs conjugated with a recombinant protein binder, such as a monoclonal antibody. tLNPs are designed to deliver payloads, including mRNA or gene editing tools, capable of reprogramming specific cell types in vivo. The platform technology has the potential to generate transformative therapies with possible applications across a broad range of disease areas, including oncology, autoimmune disorders, fibrosis, and monogenic blood disorders.
The Opportunity
The Senior Scientist in Product Discovery will play a key role in the research team conducting in vitro studies to support candidate tLNP development for various indications including oncology, fibrosis, inflammation-related diseases, and blood monogenic disorders. The candidate will be an instrumental team member focused on the generation of pre-clinical data required for candidate selection.
Responsibilities & Duties:
 

• Spearhead the identification of product candidates by formulating and executing comprehensive research plans.
• Utilize advanced techniques such as electroporation, viral delivery, and nanoparticle transfections to engineer mammalian cells.
• Employ flow cytometry and cell-based functional assays to meticulously characterize mammalian cells.
• Execute precise mammalian cell culture procedures with aseptic technique.
• Proficiently isolate PBMCs and T cells from Leukopaks while adhering to established protocols.
• Maintain adherence to rigorous laboratory standards, encompassing meticulous documentation in an online laboratory notebook system, validation of instruments and reagents, and stringent personal safety measures.
• Foster collaborative relationships within a cross-functional team setting, serving as a pivotal member of project teams dedicated to developing, refining, and standardizing cell-based assays across multiple programs.
• Demonstrate adeptness in organizing and conveying data through written and oral communication channels, actively contributing to project team meetings.
   

Requirements/Qualifications:
 

• Generally met with either (a) a Ph.D. in a scientific discipline (preferably Immunology, Cell Biology, or related fields) along with 8 years of industry experience; or (b) a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline (preferably Immunology, Cell Biology, or related fields; or equivalent) coupled with 12 years of industry experience.
• Proficiency in aseptic/sterile techniques and demonstrated expertise in culturing mammalian cells, encompassing cell lines, T cells, and PBMCs.
• Proven track record in producing lentivirus/retrovirus and engineering primary T cells for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) production.
• Familiarity with non-viral gene transfer methods for engineering mammalian cells is advantageous.
• Extensive experience in designing and executing assays to evaluate T cell functionality, including assessments of cytotoxicity, activation, proliferation, and cytokine production.
• Knowledge of high-throughput, plate-based assay development, and proficiency in utilizing automated liquid handling solutions are desirable skills.
• Proficiency in developing multi-color flow cytometry panels and adeptness in data processing.
• Familiarity with scientific data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism, R, and FlowJo is advantageous.
• Previous experience in molecular biology techniques, including Gibson, Golden Gate, and digestion/ligation cloning, is a positive attribute.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent studies while collaboratively contributing to team efforts.
• Aptitude for rapid skill acquisition and on-the-job knowledge acquisition.
• Effective management of multiple tasks with a meticulous attention to detail within a dynamic scientific environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, coupled with proficient documentation practices including thorough record-keeping in both documentation and electronic lab notebooks.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, contributing to effective collaboration and dissemination of scientific findings.
   

Salary & Benefits Offerings:
 

• Salary range is $145,000 - $160,000/year depending on experience.
• Performance bonus & Equity
• 401k Match Program
• Healthcare Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Optional Dependent Care Account
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Onsite Fully Stocked Kitchens