Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Drug Discovery

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for polygenic diseases, with an initial focus on ophthalmology. At the core of Character Bio’s approach is a set of company-sponsored observational studies that integrate patients’ genetics with their longitudinal clinical and imaging data. Character’s interdisciplinary team, spanning clinical research, data science, statistical genetics, machine learning and drug discovery, leverages the company’s platform to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies to enhance clinical success. The company is currently advancing two programs into the clinic for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), with additional programs in earlier stages of discovery research.

We are seeking a talented Scientist or Senior Scientist to join our drug discovery team. This role will lead the experimental validation of drug targets and the discovery and optimization of drug candidates. As part of a broader pre-clinical team, this role will also collaborate with genetics and data science groups to nominate drug targets and with development groups to progress lead candidates to IND. This position offers an opportunity to join a growing, dynamic startup and directly contribute to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. Candidates with diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the biological functions of candidate drug targets
• Lead the design and manage the execution of drug discovery activities using modalities appropriate for specific targets (e.g. small molecules, antibodies, recombinant proteins, peptides)
• Manage junior scientific staff and research activities, including in-house experiments and external collaborations with CROs
• Collaboratively design and manage the execution of in vivo studies with CROs to enable lead candidate selection (e.g. pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerability)
• Innovatively troubleshoot, effectively resolving challenges as they arise
• Regularly present at internal and external meetings to audiences of diverse scientific backgrounds
  
  

Key qualifications:

• PhD in a biological or biochemical discipline with a minimum of 4 years of industry experience in drug discovery
• Demonstrated track record of leading target validation and drug discovery campaigns
• Strong publication record (scientific journals, patents or conferences)
• Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential
• Experience with managing and mentoring scientific staff
• Research experience in the following fields is preferred but not required: ocular diseases, age-related macular degeneration
  
  

Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and a flexible paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We are an E-Verify company.