Principal Scientist, Platform Biology

About Us

Deep Genomics is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to transform drug discovery. Our proprietary AI platform decodes the complexity of RNA biology to identify novel drug targets, mechanisms, and therapeutics inaccessible through traditional methods. With expertise spanning machine learning, bioinformatics, data science, engineering, and drug development, our multidisciplinary team in Toronto and Cambridge, MA is revolutionizing how new medicines are created.

Where You Fit In

The Principal Scientist, Platform Biology will be responsible for applying the Deep Genomics AI platform to prioritize drug targets and progress programs from discovery through lead optimization across a range of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on Deep Genomics’ therapeutic pipeline and the development of cutting-edge RNA-based therapeutics. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in applying state-of-the-art high throughput methods to early-stage development of RNA therapeutics. Direct experience with ADAR, ASOs and siRNAs is highly beneficial. You will serve as a subject matter expert in nucleic acid therapeutics and be responsible for leading programs from development of molecular and cell-based functional assays through screening to validation of lead molecules in appropriate preclinical animal models, and should be comfortable working in an advanced data and computing environment.  As one of the first hires in our new Cambridge facility, this individual must demonstrate initiative and ownership in both scientific and strategic decisions and thrive in a dynamic innovative environment. This role will also have the opportunity to manage and mentor direct reports.

• Lead screening campaigns from target selection through hit finding and validation in preclinical animal models leveraging the AI platform.
• Deliver proof of concept data for optimized molecules that demonstrate value of the AI-platform.
• Evaluate, triage and cross-validate targets discovered using Deep Genomics platform by orthogonal approaches including functional genomics, mechanistic biology, biochemistry, and disease models.
• Build an environment and culture focused on generating high quality proprietary data.
• Build a tight feedback loop between modeling and experiment through close collaboration with the machine learning, Target ID, and Genomics teams.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, personal accountability and interpersonal skills, and capability for mentoring, both direct reports and others.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to scientists and management in internal and external venues and publish in peer-reviewed journals as appropriate.

• PhD in biological sciences with 6 years of post-graduate experience in relevant roles (or equivalent) working in early-stage drug development focused on target validation and nucleic acid therapies.
• 3 years building, managing, and leading teams successfully to meet goals of the organization, partners, and patients.
• Breadth of therapeutic area expertise and exposure to multiple therapeutic modalities, ideally including gene editing and RNA-targeted therapies.
• Well versed in target discovery via human genetics, with a focus on experimental validation of novel target hypotheses. 
• Proven ability to work independently and cross-functionally with highly skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technical environment.
• Strong managerial qualities, including a strategic and scientifically oriented mindset, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, emotional intelligence, credibility, integrity, creativity, and a willingness to have ideas challenged by team members and to challenge them.
• Ability to organize and communicate complex data sets in a clear and concise manner to key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Prior experience working with or leading collaborations with external biotechnology, academic, and contract research organizations.
• A “platform attitude”, able to voice opinions on applications of the AI platform.

• The current areas of focus are genetically defined targets in the liver and CNS, so familiarity with corresponding cell models, animal models, and delivery systems would be beneficial.
• Direct experience with RNA-editing is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience developing and running industrialized NGS based workflows is preferred.
• Strong computational background or demonstrated ability to interface with computational biology teams to develop scalable analytical tools.
• Experience with multi-site project management and team leadership.

• A collaborative and innovative environment at the frontier of computational biology, machine learning, and drug discovery.
• Opportunities to work on groundbreaking research with a multidisciplinary team of experts.
• The chance to make a tangible impact in developing therapies for genetic diseases.

Deep Genomics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Deep Genomics thanks all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.