Scientist, Discovery Science

Apply for the Scientist, Discovery Science role at Volastra Therapeutics
.

Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical‑stage oncology biotech company based in New York City, pioneering novel approaches to treating cancer by targeting chromosomal instability (CIN), a unique vulnerability in cancer. Since its founding in 2019, Volastra has grown to support ongoing discovery efforts and a growing clinical organization. Our lead pipeline programs focus on two distinct inhibitors of KIF
18A, a novel therapeutic target. VLS‑1488 entered clinical trials in Q4 2023 for advanced cancers. Sovilnesib, in‑licensed from Amgen in 2023, re‑entered the clinic in Q2 2024. Both assets have been granted Fast‑Track Designation by the FDA. Volastra also develops new techniques to understand the biology of chromosomal instability and leverages these insights to drive forward a preclinical pipeline of therapies against innovative targets.

Volastra is backed by top U.S. and European venture firms such as Arch, Polaris, Vida, Droia, Catalio, and B Capital, alongside strategic investment from Eli Lilly. Our senior leadership team is highly experienced, supported by a world‑class advisory board. We are headquartered in West Harlem, New York City, within easy reach of Columbia, Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and surrounding areas.

Please visit  for more information.

The Scientist, Discovery Science will report to the Senior Scientist/Senior Lab Manager, working closely with the Chief Scientific Officer and the rest of the Discovery Team. The role focuses on turning foundational CIN biology into new medicines, designing, executing, and interpreting rigorous experiments that validate targets, elucidate mechanisms of action, and accelerate progression from hit/lead to in vivo proof‑of‑concept. It is a bench‑forward position for a creative, self‑directed experimentalist who thrives in a fast‑moving biotech setting and loves collaborating across chemistry, biochemistry, DMPK, in‑vivo pharmacology, and computational biology.

The position is based in NYC and requires a minimum of 80% in‑office time.

• Participate in key discovery work streams from target validation through early pharmacology; design clear, decision‑driving experimental plans and timelines.
• Interrogate mechanism using genetic perturbation (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi), rescue, pathway mapping, and combination studies aligned with CIN biology.
• Develop and optimize cellular assays to quantify phenotype and mechanism.
• Build translationally relevant target‑engagement and PD assays to enable SAR and inform dose/PK–PD modeling for in‑vivo studies.
• Track record of successfully managing external projects with CROs from scoping to final data delivery.
• Work effectively with colleagues across the team to participate in adjacent discovery‑related efforts.
• Provide clear updates to Discovery, Preclinical, and Leadership; write technical reports, support patent filings, and prepare data packages for milestones.

• PhD in Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, or related field (or MS/BS with commensurate depth of industry experience).
• 5+ years of hands‑on lab experience with a range of relevant research techniques including cell‑based assays and molecular biology. In‑vivo mouse experience is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of the drug development process from target identification to marketing authorization is strongly encouraged.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate well with team members.

• Direct experience in CIN‑relevant biology (mitosis, microtubules/kinetochore function, replication stress, DNA‑damage response) or image‑based phenotyping.
• In‑vivo oncology familiarity (xenograft/PDX syngeneic models), PK/PD thinking, and translational biomarker awareness for discovery‑to‑development continuity.

Approximately $130,000 - $150,000, which may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and ultimate leveling. Leveling outside of that stated may be considered for exceptional candidates on a case‑by‑case basis.

New York, NY (West Harlem, New York City). Minimum 80% in‑office time.

Full‑time.

Mid‑Senior level.