About Initial Therapeutics:

Initial Therapeutics is pursuing a bold and original mission: discovering and developing a new class of small-molecule medicines designed to halt pathogenic protein formation in the earliest stages. Initial's approach is unique and starkly differentiated from protein degradation and other interventions that recognize and tackle proteins only after they have been fully formed.

Initial Therapeutics was formed in 2020 and is currently operating in labs in South San Francisco, with a substantial (8- figure) Series A commitment. Initial is founded by world-renowned scientists who bring relevant expertise and proprietary technology to enable them to address high-confidence, heretofore difficult-to-drug targets in cancer and neurodegeneration. Screening of proprietary libraries is in progress.

Initial Therapeutics is founder-led and offers a dynamic start-up environment with a close-knit team of highly skilled, mission-driven professionals. We seek colleagues who are inspired to push the boundaries of small molecule discovery using novel approaches and who excel at identifying innovative solutions to challenging problems.

At Initial Therapeutics you'll find a career where every day brings you adventures, challenges, and breakthroughs. Join a dynamic, diverse, and growing team dedicated to developing transformative therapies that will revolutionize the future of cancer treatment and outcomes. Initial offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to support our small molecule lead discovery efforts. This individual will be responsible for designing and developing medium to high-throughput semi-automated cell-based and biochemical assays as part of our small molecule lead discovery efforts and ongoing SAR development. Primary responsibilities will include running biochemical and cell based small molecule screening assays; data analysis and presentation; assisting with assay design, development, and implementation.

Primary Responsibilities:

* Routine mammalian cell culture and cell line maintenance.

* Plating and treating cells with small molecules, harvesting, and preparing cell samples for downstream biochemical analysis.

* Perform routine, medium- to high- throughput biochemical and cellular assays (ELISA, enzyme kinetics, AlphaLISA, HTRF, cell viability, cell proliferation, etc.) manually and/or using liquid handling automation (TECAN Freedom EVO, and others).

* Perform routine high-content imaging experiments (cell counting and biomarker quantification).

* Qualify and optimize cell-based and biochemical assays for drug discovery screening.

* Analyze experimental results, form, refine, and clearly communicate conclusions and recommendations to parallel teams in chemistry department.

* Perform tasks following established protocols with minimal supervision.

* Prepare concise, informative technical reports, SOPs, and presentations for team meetings.

* Maintain accurate and well-organized laboratory records and notebooks

Qualifications/Skills:

* Mammalian cell culture.

* Cell biology and biochemistry techniques including but not limited to ELISA assays, western blots, transient transfections, AlphaLISA, HTRF, etc.

* Experience with automation, liquid handling, primary cells, and statistical analysis required.

* Familiarity with small molecule drug discovery, SAR, and structure-based design highly advantageous.

* Ability to work in an interdisciplinary, dynamic work environment.

* Highly organized with excellent communication skills a must.

Key leadership competencies:

* Highly self-motivated, dedicated, proactive, and organized with strong presentation skills.

* Excellent team player with a strong work ethic, high levels of flexibility, and accountability to adapt to changes, and commit to company growth and success.

* Foster respectful, professional, and effective communication with colleagues and management teams.

* Compliance with company policy and adherence to the standard of conduct is mandatory.

Education / Experience

* B. S. or M.S. in Cell Biology, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with a minimum of 10 year years of relevant experience.

* Laboratory experience with mammalian cell culture and plate-based biochemical assays (AlphaLISA, ELISA, enzyme kinetics, etc.).

* Familiarity with small molecule drug development, chemical structure, and SAR preferred.

* Experience designing and developing cell-based and biochemical assays for drug discovery research preferred.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Vaccination Policy:

Initial Therapeutics requires employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Accommodation may be made for approved medical or religious reasons.

Salary Range:

* The salary range for this position is $ $120,000 to $135,000 per annum. Compensation will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, skill set, years of experience and education.