Research Associate, Drug Discovery

Overview

General Proximity is a seed-stage startup developing the next generation of induced proximity medicines (IPMs). Our OmniTAC drug discovery engine furnishes molecules that co-opt existing cellular machinery to overcome therapeutic challenges, which have remained unapproachable to other modalities for decades.

We are seeking a first-rate Research Associate to help us pioneer this uncharted frontier of drug discovery.

A long-standing challenge in drug discovery is the development of molecules capable of modulating difficult or "undruggable" targets. Disease-causing proteins can be dysfunctional in many different ways, but our armamentarium for fixing them is quite limited. The most common mechanism of action for FDA-approved drugs is inhibition, but there are many other possible perturbation types whose potential remains unrealized.

General Proximity is a seed-stage drug discovery company developing a novel platform technology to solve this problem. We make bifunctional drugs that induce the modification of drug targets by existing cellular machinery (rather than through direct modulation by the drug, the classical approach).

Historically, the development of technologies that allow one to push new buttons in biology has been an incredibly fertile field for the discovery of new medicines, and our technology holds the same promise.

We are seeking an experienced Research Associate to be a key member of our Platform/Drug Discovery Team. In this position, you will work in close conjunction with our Biology Team in the development of our core drug discovery technology and the generation of a completely novel class of therapeutics.

Your responsibilities will include: designing and executing experiments independently or in collaboration with senior researchers, contributing to the development and optimization of experimental protocols and assays, preparation and handling of biological samples including mammalian cell cultures, performing advanced laboratory techniques and methodologies, data analysis and interpretation under the guidance of senior researchers, and recording and organizing experimental data accurately and efficiently.

High Agency. Initiative, independence, and self-accountability are some of our most valued traits.

Enthusiastic. We love people who are excited about what they are doing and are generally attempting to build a high-energy team.

Intensity and Grit. Early-stage startups are hard. Drug discovery is doubly so. We are looking for candidates who have a demonstrated ability to stick with complex problems for the long haul, with a team that has your back along the way.

Prosocial. We are here to create life-saving medicines for the patients who need it most. You should be, too.

• BS or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Industry experience is desirable, but the ability to work hard and learn fast is more important to us.
• Deep understanding of small-molecule drug discovery and its relationship to human disease.
• Top-notch written and oral communication skills.

Proficiency in:

• Mammalian cell culture, passaging/seeding cells, aseptic technique
• Molecular biology/cloning, PCR, and other common biology techniques like western blotting, flow cytometry, microscopy, and biochemical assays
• Assay development and optimization
• Strong understanding of basic biological principles and laboratory techniques
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Nice to have:

• 2+ years of post-degree experience
• Experience with HTS and phenotypic cell-based assay development
• Transient/stable protein expression and purification, immunoprecipitation assays
• Experience working with CRISPR-Cas systems
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Prism) and statistical tools
• Familiarity with automatic, robotic dispensers, liquid handlers
• Prior experience on teams that have successfully advanced research to the clinic

• Strong equity incentives. We are looking for candidates who will bring a strong sense of ownership to drive their project areas forward, and we believe that you deserve to be…