Senior Scientist II, Ocular Discovery

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our Discovery Department as a Senior Scientist II, Ocular Discovery and work as part of a team to drive success. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, independent, committed to the generation of high-quality data within a fast-paced and innovative research team. This position will support ongoing RNA-based drug discovery projects with a focus on ophthalmology projects.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Carry out assigned laboratory functions applying knowledge and skill in an accurate, timely manner.
• Performs all regulatory responsibilities in compliance with applicable regulatory standards.
• Lead and participate in research efforts to discover, characterize, and validate novel approaches for extrahepatic siRNA and RNA editing activities, with a focus on ophthalmology targets.
• Establishment of primary cell culture, cell banking activities, RNA/DNA isolation, immunostaining, transient and stable cell transfections.
• Participate in research efforts to discover, characterize, and validate novel approaches for extrahepatic siRNA and RNA editing activities with a focus on ocular delivery of siRNAs.
• Establishment of ocular in vivo systems to screen siRNAs via intravitreal injection
• Establishment of relevant ocular preclinical disease models as needed
• Manage and maintain equipment, reagents and dedicated laboratory environment needed to carry out assignments.
• Contribute to the identification and validation of therapeutic targets for siRNA and RNA editing approaches and supporting existing and pipeline programs.
• Manage CROs.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports and presentations for internal project teams, leadership team, and external audience.
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with critical collaborative partners throughout the company.
• Maintain updated and well-organized lab notebooks.
• Execute daily laboratory operations with an approach designed to minimize risks and hazard waste streams.
• Maintain all appropriate corporate standards for lab safety and hazardous material management.
• Manage and maintain proper supplies and equipment needed to carry out assignments
• Ensures work areas are kept clean and orderly.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Characteristics:

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

On-Site Protocol:

Physical presence at the ADARx Pharmaceuticals worksite is a necessary job function of this role, which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and it enhances the Company culture.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology, or relevant scientific discipline.
• At least 5 years of postdoctoral or bio/pharmaceutical industry experience.
• In-depth knowledge of ocular preclinical models
• Broad knowledge of scientific experience with track record of scientific achievement demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
• Technical proficiency in performing ocular injections and isolation of retinal tissues in rodents
• Experience using Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, MSD, immunoprecipitation, luminescence assays, phenotypic assays or flow cytometry.
• Proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite Products, Adobe Pro and Prism

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry a plus.
• Prior experience in retinal drug discovery is highly preferred.
• A track-record of impacting drug discovery programs through driving projects to key decision points.
• Previous experience with RNA/oligonucleotide therapeutics is preferred but not essential.

Required Key Attributes:

• Must be able to work independently with supervision as needed.
• Adaptable / Flexible - willing and able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities as well as an ability to meet day-to-day challenges with confidence and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, essential for effective collaboration with internal and external collaborators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective presentation of complex scientific data to cross-functional and senior management teams are essential for this role.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude towards exploring new approaches.
• Understanding of project timelines and deliverables and plans/coordinate project work accordingly with departmental, functional, and external stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills with the ability to take a hands-on approach to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Compensation:

• This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday, occasional overtime.
• Pay is commensurate with experience.
• Equity-based compensation
• Performance-based bonuses
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Gym Membership
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick, Jury Duty, Bereavement

Work Authorization:

• United States (Required)
• Background Check
• As a condition of employment, you must successfully complete all post-offer, pre-employment requirements, including but not limited to a background check.

Company Overview:

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (the "Company" or "ADARx") located in San Diego, is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to turning cutting-edge science into life-saving therapeutics. ADARx has developed proprietary RNA targeting platforms and technology for silencing or editing target mRNA. ADARx has a growing pipeline of RNA targeting therapeutics for treating diseases across a range of therapeutic areas including genetic, cardiometabolic, complement-mediated diseases and central nervous system.

ADARx currently has multiple active programs in development with the lead candidate in the clinic. We are well-financed by a syndicate of renowned VC firms.

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Disclosure Statement:

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
• Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
• The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual target bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, type and length of experience within the industry, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
• Total Compensation includes base salary; benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance; life insurance; 401(k) matching program; paid time off; paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program; and other employee benefits. This role may also be eligible for short-term or long-term incentive compensation, including but not limited to cash bonuses.
• Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.