Director, Translational Biology (CNS)

Associate Director/ Director of Biology

Department R&D

Location Cambridge, MA

Local Biosciences company is developing a versatile RNA modulation platform focusing on diseases of high unmet need. The core technology is based on novel CRISPR-Cas systems that can precisely and efficiently engineer the transcriptome without permanent modification of the DNA

genome. The ability to perturb and edit disease-causing RNA in a modular fashion enables tunable and durable control of therapeutic efficacy and safety. Founded by pioneers of CRISPR technologies from MIT and UC Berkeley.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a highly motivated Associate Director/ Director of Biology to drive the development and execution of strategies for CNS therapeutics using our platform for programmable perturbation of gene regulation. In this role, the candidate will lead a team that

implements therapeutic discovery workflows to systematically test the technology in vitro and in vivo, creatively solving technical challenges and producing high quality data to determine feasibility. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in both the discovery and the

translational components of asset development. The candidate will have the opportunity to make significant contributions in our dynamic start-up environment where self-driven, enthusiastic employees thrive. The scientist will be expected to help manage the initial scientific team of 3-6 others and will work closely with the scientific founders to drive forward the research and development strategy.

Responsibilities:

- In vitro and in vivo disease modeling

- Lead a focused team of Scientists and Research Associates focused on developing, validating, and executing in vitro and in vivo assays

- Develop and characterize in vitro and in vivo disease models of key indications of interest, with a focus on CNS disorders

- Evaluate and apply known and novel delivery strategies for targets and indications of interest

- Establish appropriate disease models across a range of CNS disorders

- Developing deep domain expertise through literature and engagement with external advisors

- Independently execute studies, analyze data, share the conclusions and propose follow up experiments.

- Partner with the technology development and delivery science experts to optimize lead designs and delivery constructs

- Drive multiple programs toward clinic-ready data packages

- Science leadership, communication, and standardization

- Examine data and prepare technical reports, summaries, and present at internal and external meetings

- Draft and review Protocols and SOPs

- Work with CROs, scientific collaborators, and other partners

- Work in a team environment, collaborating with various colleagues across

multiple departments

Requirements:

- PhD in Life sciences with 6-8+ years of industry or academic (postdoctoral) experience.

- Demonstrated experience with CNS or ocular disorders with a strong publication record

- Extensive knowledge and experience with therapeutic discovery workflows, genomic and

phenotypic characterization, and therapeutic delivery.

- Extensive experience with mammalian tissue culture and cell-based assays.

- Familiarity with next-generation sequencing methods.

- Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to

changing priorities and deadlines.

- Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills, including the ability to

support and prioritize multiple projects.

-Excellent written and oral communication skills.

- Desire to be part of a rapidly evolving organization which requires flexibility, and a

willingness to implement new strategies, cutting-edge technologies and methods