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Computational Biologist

Employer
Arda Therapeutics
Location
San Carlos, California, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 25, 2022

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Sector
Consultancy/Private Sector
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Other
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Who We Are

Arda is targeting cells to treat disease. We are taking aim at chronic diseases and aging by eliminating the pathological cells that drive these conditions.

A new approach to old diseases

Cells are the functional units of life, but they are also the functional units of disease. Many diseases are caused by certain cell populations becoming too abundant or active; for example, the overgrowth of stromal cell types contributes to fibrosis, while the excessive activation of particular immune cells leads to chronic inflammation. Arda's hypothesis is that removing these cells will delay or reverse disease progression.

Our approach starts by using single-cell data to identify pathological cells and specific markers to target them. We then design therapies to eliminate these - and only these - cells. We are initially focused on treating chronic diseases, with the long-term goal of extending healthy lifespan.

Arda is a seed-stage biotech located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are backed by Andreessen Horowitz, GV, The Longevity Fund, Village Global, Axial, NJF and others. Our mission is clear, our commitment is strong, and our expectations are high. Come build with us.

What we value

Rigor. Decisions are based on data. Persuasive arguments are built from evidence and logic, not from authority or wishful thinking. Truth is paramount.

Impact. We measure outputs, not inputs. We think carefully about where to put our goalposts, and once placed, we drive toward them with zeal. Value comes from contribution, not credentials.

Community. Whether we succeed or fail, we do so as a team. We communicate with transparency and speak to one another with respect. We reject hypotheses, not people.

Accountability. To our patients and to each other. We are each responsible for our words, actions, and results.

Grit. Doing science means being wrong, a lot. We strive for progress, not perfection. We persevere. We build skill and knowledge through consistent and deliberate effort.

The Role

Single cell data is at the heart of Arda's efforts to reshape the treatment of chronic disease and aging. For us, cells are the targets, and single cell data provides an unprecedented target selection opportunity. It is now possible to measure the gene expression profile of every individual cell in a sample, without any prior hypothesis about which genes are expressed. Cells can then be computationally grouped into cell types and states based on their similarity. The picture that arises from this technology is like putting on corrective lenses: blurred lines become sharp, and details that were invisible become trivially easy to see. Historically monolithic cell populations such as fibroblasts and epithelial cells separate into different cellular subsets: each is a type of fibroblast or epithelial cell, but the subsets have distinct profiles and functions. In this context, it becomes possible to identify specific pathological subpopulations; whereas eliminating all epithelial cells would be toxic, eliminating a specific subpopulation of dysfunctional epithelial cells may ameliorate disease without safety concerns.

As a Computational Biologist, you will build and implement Arda's computational platform in order to prioritize indications and identify target cells and their corresponding cell surface targets. This is an opportunity to shape the company from the very beginning. Your input will be essential to Arda's strategy, process, and culture. The experience you gain in this role is a rare commodity that will establish you as an operator and builder.

In this role, you will:
  • Develop and execute Arda's computational strategy
  • Process and analyze single cell data using state-of-the-art methods to evaluate cell states and gene expression patterns across datasets, species, and technologies
  • Design processes and workflows that meet the deadlines of today, but are ready to handle the scale of tomorrow
  • Distill your analyses into crisp conclusions and clear recommendations
  • Expand Arda's database of high quality single cell data
  • Develop deep expertise in Arda's early program areas
  • Build valuable relationships with consultants, advisors, collaborators, and clinicians

The primary measures of success in this role will be the number and quality of targets advanced to experimental validation.

Qualifications

  • You have earned a Ph.D. in computational biology or a related area, or equivalent on-the-job experience
  • You excel at working with large-scale datasets in Python
  • You substantial computational experience includes harmonizing and analyzing single cell sequencing data from multiple sources
  • You know the confounders and analytical pitfalls that are typically encountered when working with large biological datasets. You regularly run sanity checks and can smell rotten data from a mile away.
  • Nice-to-have: hands-on experience generating single-cell data

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