Head of Discovery

Head Of Discovery

Code Bio is seeking a motivated, flexible, and experienced individual to join our team and lead Discovery. The primary role of the Head of Discovery is to work with the Research team to develop, prepare and characterize novel materials and DNA nanoparticles (DNP) derived from the company's proprietary 3

DNA platform, characterize DMPK and develop strategies for optimizing target selection. The ideal candidate will leverage his/her experience as a drug developer to conduct in vitro and in vivo testing in support of the development of a robust DMPK dataset. Additionally, the individual leading these efforts will work collaboratively with the R&D team, as well as the Technical Development team, to transfer the technical details and processes between groups in preparation for scale-up and CMC of the drug candidates.

• Build and manage an interdisciplinary team to develop and prepare early-stage preclinical therapeutic payloads and cellular targeting strategies in combination with our proprietary, patented DNA scaffold technology.
• Design and execute a platform assessment program with the goal of development a comprehensive dataset in support of DMPK of Discovery stage DNA-based nanoparticles
• Design novel molecular approaches to address key MOA and data driven questions as part of both development and technical solution-based research
• Establish collaborative timelines for the preparation, characterization, and quality assessment of small batch materials with the Research Leadership as well as for Discovery stage research to meet corporate objectives, milestones and budgets.
• Simultaneously prepare and deliver materials consisting of multiple payload types, targeting modalities, and 3
  
  DNA conjugated test materials to meet the broad and comprehensive needs of the diverse and parallel running early preclinical research studies.
• Rapidly adapt to produce additional or unique test materials based on a data and results driven process to accelerate the assessment of test materials demonstrating positive outcome.
• Collaborate cross functionally on the development of research and analytical methods to assess functionality and durability of genetic payloads and targeting molecules.
• Implement new approaches and chemistries in collaboration with CPTO and PD to expand and improve the capabilities of the 3
  
  DNA platform as well as payloads and targeting molecules
• Provide comprehensive documentation for trackability of all materials transferred to the Research team characterizing the output of the research manufacturing process to demonstrate reproducibility of manufacturing, purity of material, and process rigor.
• Adapt various purification methodologies and biochemistry/molecular biology techniques to yield high purity, functional genetic payloads and targeting molecules to enable novel therapeutic strategies.
• Design and test protocols in collaboration with the Head of Process Development (PD) to enable scale up manufacture for technical transfer internally to PD or externally to CROs, CDMOs, or other 3rd party who may be responsible for future manufacturing activities and Bio Analytical assay transfers and management.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders in Research and Technical Development involved in materials procurement, manufacturing and analytics.
• Maintain all data acquisition and analysis in electronic laboratory notebook for streamlined tracing across experiments and studies.
• Present the results of the development process and integral scientific characterization data to the Research team as part of regular cross-functional meetings.

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or similar field with 10+ years of industry experience or MS with 15+ years of industry experience
• Detail and timeline oriented with strong organizational and communication skills
• Highly motivated, ethical, and professional self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and a quality and sense of urgency mindset, who is capable of influence and negotiation with stakeholders to successfully prosecute the completion of projects per timeline
• Experienced drug developer with a background in Discovery research including leading ADME and PK studies along with assay and analytical methods development in support of a variety of research programs
• Significant experience with biomolecule conjugation chemistries and methods
• Experience with the preparation and characterization of research grade materials used in non-clinical testing in vitro and in vivo
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid and other biomolecule purification techniques including affinity, SEC and AEX chromatography, and methods routinely used to purify plasmids, small and large RNA and DNA molecules and protein/peptide oligo conjugates
• Experience with in vitro assay development including HPLC separation and characterization assays, gel electrophoresis, gene and protein expression including Western analysis, qPCR,…