Scientist 1, Innovation

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Job description

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. ("4DMT") is a clinical-stage gene therapy company pioneering the development of product candidates using targeted and evolved AAV vectors. 4DMT seeks to unlock the full potential of gene therapy using its platform, Therapeutic Vector Evolution, which combines the power of directed evolution with approximately one billion synthetic capsid sequences to invent evolved vectors for use in targeted gene therapy products. The company is initially focused in three therapeutic areas: ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. The 4DMT targeted and evolved vectors are invented with the goal of being delivered through clinically routine, well-tolerated and minimally invasive routes of administration, transducing diseased cells in target tissues efficiently, having reduced immunogenicity and, where relevant, having resistance to pre-existing antibodies. 4DMT is currently conducting three clinical trials: 4D-125 is in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for XLRP, 4D-110 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for choroideremia and 4D-310 is in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for Fabry disease.

4DMT is focused on attracting and retaining the best people in the industry who identify with our mission and innovative results-driven approach. We offer an inspiring and collaborative environment that encourages individual contributions, recognizes performance in multiple ways, offers competitive salary and benefits, and provides challenging opportunities for career development. 4D Molecular Therapeutics is located in Emeryville, CA.

GENERAL SUMMARY:
4D seeks a talented and motivated Scientist 1 to join our Innovation and Technology team in supporting our viral drug therapy research efforts as we contribute to the future of gene therapeutics. The position will combine modern molecular and cell biology methods with scalable production processes to inform and improve discovery and experimental design in conjunction with 4DMT's proprietary discovery platform.

This position will involve new protocol development and execution in the areas of AAV plasmid construction, high-throughput AAV production, purification and characterization, and cell-based optimization of payload biology. This highly-collaborative position will require close interaction on multiple projects within the Innovation and Technology group to explore the wetlab aspects of computationally-derived hypotheses, and across the Research & Development department, including capsid discovery, payload engineering, and viral manufacturing. This position will also collaborate on cross-functional projects with additional groups within R&D and across the company, including HCDM, CMC, and Translational Medicine. As part of this cross-functional work, employee will be expected to attend and actively engage in working group and project team meetings.
Responsibilities

• Lab Activities : 90%
• Demonstrating innovative design, development, and execution of research projects through expertise and scientific teamwork, as applied to AAV library construction, screening and production.
• Contributing to the design, implementation, and interpretation of the results of experimental studies
• Leveraging a strong understanding of gene therapy principles to design, assess and interpret experimental data, then using the results to inform the selection of the optimal product strategy
• Actively applying new concepts and technologies (ie CRISPR, promoter engineering, payload engineering)
• Leading and supporting research initiatives such as new technology development and platform improvement projects
• Molecular biology (construct design, PCR, digestion/ligation/transformation) in support of:
• AAV Library construction
• Monitoring of selections
• Novel screening strategies
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample prep (Nextera, multiplexed amplicons) and MiSeq operation
• Refine and execute proprietary NGS-based assays for AAV sequence integrity and purity
• Maintaining compliance with company Environmental Health and Safety policies, procedures, and practices
Cross functional work/Communication: 10%
• Maintaining current awareness of scientific literature
• Contribute scientific ideas and knowledge in departmental and cross-functional team meetings
• Writing study reports and manuscripts and presenting results at scientific meetings
• Effectively present findings at departmental and cross-functional team meetings
• Engage in study design for various programs
• Help compile and write data sections for IND preclinical pharmacology reports
• Communicate effectively with management to achieve departmental goals
Other:
• Other duties as assigned, nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time

Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field
Experience:
• Experience in one of the following disciplines: Bioengineering, Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field; gained through either academic or industry experience (prior industry experience is not a requirement for this position)
• Solid proficiency in molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR, RT-PCR, mammalian cell culture, plasmid transfection, immunoblot, ELISA, and protein activity assays, as well as the ability to design and analyze sequence data using common software such as Geneious
• Extensive cell culture experience (3+ ears) with common cell lines such as HEK-293T, with work in a plate-based format preferred (including 96- and 384-well cell culture)
• Familiarity with NGS sample prep a plus
Skills:
• Successful demonstrated ability to conduct research with strong attention to detail and rigorous analysis and interpretation of data
• Ability to handle large-scale and parallel experiments in an organized and efficient manner
• Ability to multi-task and support more than one project simultaneously
• Highly organized and motivated; strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong work ethic, flexibility, and cooperative can-do attitude
• Proven interest and ability to build a culture that embraces continuous learning, improvement, and innovation
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team-based environment; supportive of multiple viewpoints and approaches
• Strong communication skills (both written and oral) with demonstrated ability to present ideas, information and data effectively via one on one discussions, team meetings, and external partnership interactions
• Contribute to building a culture that embraces continuous learning, improvement, and innovation and encourages team members to expand their technical skill base and deepen their gene therapy expertise.
Physical Requirements:
• In lab and lab support activities may require occasional maneuvering of items of 25 lbs. during operations and/or storage of consumables.
• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting at the laboratory bench.
• Must be willing to conform to the safety and social distancing practices established by 4DMT while on-site (4-5 days/week).
• During COVID-19, this person will need to be in the lab up to five days a week
• Adhere to 4DMT Covid protocols and policy

4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran, and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

About 4DMT:
4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. ("4DMT") is a clinical-stage gene therapy company pioneering the development of product candidates using targeted and evolved AAV vectors. 4DMT seeks to unlock the full potential of gene therapy using its platform, Therapeutic Vector Evolution, which combines the power of directed evolution with approximately one billion synthetic capsid sequences to invent evolved vectors for use in targeted gene therapy products. The company is initially focused on three therapeutic areas: ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. The 4DMT targeted and evolved vectors are invented with the goal of being delivered through clinically routine, well-tolerated, and minimally invasive routes of administration, transducing diseased cells in target tissues efficiently, having reduced immunogenicity, and, where relevant, having resistance to pre-existing antibodies.

Attention: Search Firms / 3rd Party Recruitment Agencies*
The Talent Acquisition / HR team manages the recruiting for all positions at 4D Molecular Therapeutics. We will only accept resumes from a search agency/recruiter if we have a signed agreement in place and the Talent Acquisition / HR team has formally requested your help on a specific role. Unsolicited resumes sent to 4D Molecular Therapeutics will be considered property of 4D Molecular Therapeutics..... click apply for full job details