Scientist I, Therapeutic Discovery

About Us

Aera Therapeutics was founded with a vision to unlock the potential of genetic medicines across a broad range of modalities and therapeutic areas.

Our novel protein nanoparticle (PNP) delivery platform is based on endogenous human proteins, leveraging the discovery of human proteins derived from retroelements that self-assemble to form capsid-like structures and which can package and transfer nucleic acid cargo. This platform combines the benefits of an endogenous, fully synthetic self-assembling system with the engineerability of a protein-based system and has the potential to enable various genetic medicine modalities.

With a world-renowned scientific founder and a distinguished Board of Directors, Aera has raised $193 million led by Arch Venture Partners, GV, and Lux Capital.

How will your role make an impact at Aera Therapeutics?

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Therapeutic Discovery, you will support our extensive drug discovery platform from early discovery through translational research. You will build and evaluate in vivo animal models/assays and conducting immunogenicity, safety and efficacy assays for potential development candidates. You will work together with Therapeutic Discovery, Delivery, Molecular Biology and Bioanalytical teams to support DC nomination, IND-enabling studies and development of next-generation therapeutics.

You Will

• Conducting in vivo and ex vivo studies, delivering comprehensive data packages to support therapeutic strategy.
• Work cross-functionally to align research objectives with program goals.
• Develop detailed experimental protocols and prepare reports for internal and external review.
• Present findings to internal teams, stakeholders, or external conferences, ensuring data is conveyed clearly and effectively.
• Provide scientific insights to guide the drug discovery efforts and innovation.
• Supervise and train junior staff
  
  

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology with background in autoimmunity
• 2 years of relevant industry experience
• Extensive expertise in human and mouse models (understanding of NHP models preferred) within T cell therapy and with in vitro and ex vivo assays for characterization of test articles via gene expression and protein quantification in immune cells
• Proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry (8 colors)
• Proficiency running functional assays with engineered immune cells, including but not restricted to proliferation assays, cytokine readouts (e.g. ELISA), in vitro cytotoxicity assays (e.g. Incucyte)
• Experience with animal work, including tissue processing (e.g. blood, lymphoid tissues) and flow cytometry analysis.
• Previous experience with gene therapy drug discovery process, candidate selection and IND-enabling work is preferred
• Ability to join and integrate with highly functioning team, showing initiative, and scientific independence
• Knowledge on ethical animal handling, writing and following study and IACUC protocols
  
  

Benefits

• Healthcare
• 401K
• Paid Time Off
• Commuting subsidy
• Parental leave
  
  

Aera Therapeutics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities by recruiting, hiring, training and promoting applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, victim of domestic violence status, gender identity/expression, disability, handicap, military obligations, veteran status or any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.