Scientist II/Sr. Scientist-LNP Optimization Target & Expression

Arcturus Therapeutics · San Diego, CA

Company

Arcturus Therapeutics

Location

San Diego, CA

Type

Full Time

Job Description

WHY WORK FOR ARCTURUS?

Founded in 2013 and based in San Diego, California, Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ARCT) is a global, late-stage clinical mRNA medicines and vaccines company with enabling technologies: (i) LUNAR® lipid-mediated delivery, (ii) STARR™ mRNA Technology (samRNA) and (iii) mRNA drug substance along with drug product manufacturing expertise. Arcturus' diverse pipeline of RNA therapeutic and vaccine candidates includes mRNA vaccine programs for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza, and other programs to potentially treat ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, and cystic fibrosis, along with partnered programs including glycogen storage disease type III, and hepatitis B virus. Arcturus' versatile RNA therapeutics platforms can be applied toward multiple types of nucleic acid medicines including messenger RNA, small interfering RNA, replicon RNA, antisense RNA, microRNA, DNA, and gene editing therapeutics. Arcturus' technologies are covered by its extensive patent portfolio (patents and patent applications issued in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China and other countries). Arcturus' commitment to the development of novel RNA therapeutics has led to collaborations including, amongst others, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc., and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Arcturus Therapeutics is presently recruiting outstanding candidates with experience in the field of mRNA technologies and nanoparticle sciences. Our corporate culture is dynamic, diverse, and creative. We value collaboration and teamwork. We seek individuals to join us with a genuine passion for the science behind helping to cure disease and improve the lives of patients.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Arcturus Therapeutics is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Translational Biologist/Pharmacologist with a strong background in targeted drug delivery and molecular and cell biology.

WHAT YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

We are currently seeking a talented biologist to join our Translational Biology team. The candidate will be expected to play a large role in establishing an integrated, multi-parametric approach to expand Arcturus's expertise in LNP delivery of nucleic acids. They will be expected to develop creative and innovative experimental paradigms to optimize and improve LNP-mediated delivery and expand tissue and cell types to be targeted. The successful candidate will be expected to develop clear biological hypotheses and robust experimental protocols for improved targeting, cellular uptake, endosomal release, and payload expression. The candidate will develop efficient and predictive in vitro and in vivo assays for LNP library screening, taking into consideration high-throughput and SAR-driven drug screening cascades and optimization. Working with a cross-functional team, their efforts will be expected to yield new therapeutic areas based on improved, efficient targeting of LNPs. The scientist will further be expected to take a hands-on approach towards the experimental workflow and data analysis. Thus, the successful candidate should have an understanding of in vivo biology and be hands on with in vitro cell biology and molecular techniques.

The candidate will work closely across multiple departments across Arcturus in this role, collaborating with scientists as well as managing CROs and academic collaborators as necessary. Specifically, the candidate will interact closely with the Technology and Innovation team and the Frontier Science team to improve and optimize Arcturus's proprietary LNP nucleic acid delivery platform.

The successful scientist will thrive in a proactive, fast-paced 'can-do' culture and enjoy collaborating across functional teams and departments. The candidate should have extensive experience cell biology and molecular biology. Experience in LNP-mediated delivery is strongly recommended for this position. The individual must enjoy working in an innovative environment while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient. Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to develop internal and external relationships with key stakeholders, good conflict management and negotiation skills, ability to identify issues and raise to key stakeholders and to develop relevant and realistic plans to advance Arcturus's nucleic acid delivery technology.

WHAT WE SEEK

  • Solid background and experience in molecular biology.
  • Strong experience in molecular biology-based analytical techniques such as PCR (qPCR, RT-qPCR and DD-PCR), Sanger Sequencing, and NGS.
  • Experience in the field of RNA based drug substance and drug products including complex lipid nanoparticle formulations is a plus.
  • Experience with aspects of method development relevant to manufacturing applications such as GMP/GLP, method qualification and robustness testing, process analytical technologies, method transfer best practices, quality systems, documentation.
  • Proven ability to identify and resolve technical problems by application of scientific principles and established analytical techniques in the field to meet strict reporting deadlines.
  • Excellent communication of technical and operational activities verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to work as part of a cross-functional team.

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D. with 5-10+ years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a strong background in pharmacology, cell biology, and molecular biology.
  • Experience in LNP-mediated delivery or gene therapy is strongly recommended.
  • Current understanding LNP-mediated drug delivery landscape is strongly recommended.
  • Understanding of classical pharmacological principles to be able to support assessment of potency, efficacy and contribute to predictions of human efficacy.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple scientific disciplines and departments is essential.
  • Experience in the design and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate the activities of LNP-nucleic acid delivery, investigation of mechanisms of action, and exploration of novel therapeutic hypotheses.
  • Ability to investigate, select, and/or develop new methods and technologies for LNP screening.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into action; excellent analytical skills and an ability to communicate complex issues in a simple way and orchestrate plans to resolve issues and mitigate risks.
  • Proven track record of the ability to independently design experiments, make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results, and deliver timely results is required.
  • Excellent presentation and oral and written communication skills is required.
  • Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced and diverse environment is required.
  • Strong sense of urgency, initiative, ethics/integrity and innovation is required.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Arcturus Therapeutics, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family, and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. Our total rewards package includes:

  • Full range of health benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision with 100% EMPLOYER PAID premiums for employee and family!
  • 401k Match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
  • Competitive salaries and bonus plans plus equity via Stock Options
  • Catered lunches
  • Free variety of snacks and beverages
  • Health and Wellness programs
  • $100 Anniversary cash awards with opportunity to increase to $2000!
  • Referral Bonuses
  • On Campus Gym
  • Company sponsored FUN events
  • Education reimbursement

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego as a Scientist II is $117,400.00 to $155,300.00

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Arcturus Therapeutics is multi state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements.

For a deeper dive into our company and corporate culture visit www.ArcturusRx.com

Arcturus is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

Date Posted

07/31/2023

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