Principal Scientist, Preclinical Pharmacology

Principal Scientist, Preclinical Pharmacology

Position Summary

PepGen is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Principal Scientist to join the Preclinical Research and Development group in Boston, Massachusetts. We are looking for a senior scientist who brings enthusiasm, curiosity, scientific rigor, and a desire to transform the future of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for the key aspects of the research and development, including pharmacology, of PepGen's Enhance Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) programs and future pipeline product candidates as well as interfacing with PepGen's external contract research organization (CRO) partners. Further, the successful candidate must be able to effectively multitask, manage scientists, have strong documentation skills, and should be comfortable working in multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish in vitro and in vivo pharmacology models and assays

• Identify CRO and academic partners for in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies and establish collaborations

• Lead the development, optimization, and execution of in vitro and in vivo nonclinical pharmacology studies and implement rigorous data analysis techniques to elucidate pharmacodynamic effects.

• Manage nonclinical development studies for PepGen's enhanced delivery oligonucleotides to support pre-candidate and early and late development programs in-house and at CROs/academic institutes

• Partner with Research Project Team leaders, CMC, Toxicology, Bioanalytical, and Biomarkers functions in the design and interpretation of nonclinical pharmacology and efficacy studies as they relate to assessment of PK/PD

• Manage associate scientists and scientific team members

• Maintain clear technical records and prepare summary presentations and reports of ongoing activities for both internal and external audiences

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, discovery, and cutting-edge research culture focused on scientific excellence, open communication, and continual improvement

Requirements

• PhD in biomedical science, biochemistry, biology, or related discipline with at least 6+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry in preclinical drug discovery and development

• Experience with in vitro and in vivo preclinical disease models and developing medium- to-high-through put assay formats to support drug development

• Proficient in techniques, including method development and optimization, critical for molecular and cellular biology experiments e.g., protein and nucleic acid extraction and gene expression analysis by RT-PCR, qPCR and/or digital PCR, western blotting, and ISH

• Experience with managing and/or conducting studies with CROs

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in skeletal and/or cardiac muscle biology

• Experience working with cell penetrating peptides, nucleic acids, and/or oligonucleotides conjugates in drug discovery and development is a plus

• Highly motivated scientist with ability to multitask and prioritize work. Demonstrate ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and working within timelines

• Proven ability to work independently, think strategically and be self-motivated

• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a matrix environment and develop relationships with key stakeholders

• Excellent communication and presentation skills to efficiently relay information to project teams, senior management team

• Experience working with external contract labs is essential

• Experience with GxP is a plus

• Experience working in a start-up or small biotech environment is a plus

About PepGen

PepGen Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing the next-generation of oligonucleotide therapies with the goal of transforming the treatment of severe neuromuscular and neurological diseases. PepGen's Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide, or EDO, platform is founded on over a decade of research and development and leverages cell-penetrating peptides to improve the uptake and activity of conjugated oligonucleotide therapeutics. Using these EDO peptides, we are generating a pipeline of oligonucleotide therapeutic candidates that target the root cause of serious diseases. For more information, visit www.pepgen.com or follow PepGen on Twitter and LinkedIn.

EEO Statement

PepGen is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status.

Note: This role is 50% in lab

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies

PepGen does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Currently, we are working exclusively with The Bowdoin Group for all our recruiting needs. Thank you.