Seattle, United States

Variant Bio is a Seattle-based biotechnology company leveraging the power of human genetic diversity to develop life-saving therapies. To achieve this goal, we are studying the genes of people who are outliers for medically relevant traits, then translating insights from this research into the discovery and development of new therapeutics.

Variant Bio has raised over $125mm to support the rapid advancement of the company’s research and development work. Our investors include Lux Capital, Alta Partners, General Catalyst, SoftBank Vision Fund, Cercano Management and Casdin Capital, among others. Our growing team of geneticists, medical researchers, biologists, and drug hunters is working to advance multiple projects through target validation, lead optimization, and into the clinic, in relentless pursuit of our goal to bring life-saving therapies to patients.

Ethics is at the foundation of everything we do at Variant Bio. Our genomic research studies are co-designed with local partners around the world. In addition, we are committed to sharing tangible benefits with research partners and communities through our unique Benefit-sharing Program and Affordable Medicines Pledge.

Variant Bio is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Job Description

We are looking for a (Senior) Associate Scientist or Scientist with experience in molecular biology and/or cell biology to join our integrated and collaborative R&D team. The successful candidate would have a track record of successfully implementing a range of preclinical drug discovery techniques employed to uncover novel biology and develop assays for therapeutic programs. Familiarity with genetic and genomic methodologies is a plus, but not required.

Since we are an actively growing start-up, we also seek creative thinkers, agile learners and candidates with an unwavering willingness to do what is necessary to help build the company and mature a human-genetics-backed therapeutic pipeline. Our current disease areas of interest include inflammation, immunology, kidney disease, fibrosis, and cardio-metabolic disorders.

Responsibilities

Design and implement robust functional assays to support the identification and characterization of novel drugs.
Develop the appropriate bioassays to link disease-causing genetic variants to their relevant genes, cell types, molecular pathways and disease phenotypes.
Perform routine molecular biology experiments and subsequent data analysis, including cloning, transfection, stable/knockout cell line generation, qPCR, si/shRNA knockdown, Western blot, ELISA/MSD/Luminex, flow cytometry, plate-reader based biochemical assays, and immunofluorescence microscopy.
Perform routine bacterial or mammalian cell culture, including culture and manipulation of primary human/mouse cells.
Responsible for establishing and managing CRO relationships (Scientist).
Assist in the identification and assessment of new technologies (SAS/Scientist).
Effectively communicate scientific results to internal and external audiences.
Maintain current knowledge of disease-area literature and contribute to scientific publications.

Qualifications

BA or Masters with 2-4 years of experience ([Senior] AS) or PhD and 2 years of experience (Scientist) in molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, cell biology or related field. Industry experience is strongly preferred.
Experience with various assay platforms and the ability to develop robust biochemical or cell-based assays to support drug discovery, with excellent troubleshooting skills.
Familiarity with in vivo pharmacology approaches (e.g. mouse models of disease and ex vivo sample analysis) is a plus.
Ability to work cross-functionally in a matrix environment.
Strong people skills and an ability & willingness to work on a multidisciplinary R&D team.
Independent, creative, detail-oriented, and a critical thinker.
Compelled by the company’s mission of great science, a strong ethical stance, and benefit sharing.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and equity package.
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance.
401(k) plan through Fidelity that includes up to 3% employer match and flexible investment options.
Flexible paid time off.
Choice of public transportation (Orca Card) provided by the company or subsidized parking.
Central Eastlake location in a brand new Alexandria building with modern facilities.

Anticipated annual base salary for this position is $95,000-130,000 plus up to 10% bonus and an options package, for total compensation of up to $104,500-143,000, plus equity options.

The annual salary range above is based on the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Individual salary will depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Don't meet every single requirement but are excited to join the Variant Bio team? If your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.

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Variant Bio is hiring a

(Senior) Associate Scientist or Scientist, Biology