Head of Molecular Biology and Bioanalytical - Code Biotherapeutics : Job Details

About the Company

We are seeking trailblazers motivated to deliver innovative solutions, who are enthusiastic collaborators, driven by a sense of urgency to assist patients.

Code Biotherapeutics is a privately-held biotechnology company pioneering the development of genetic medicines to treat and potentially cure serious and life-threatening genetic diseases. Code Bio leverages its proprietary, novel multivalent synthetic DNA delivery platform, 3DNA®, which has been engineered to overcome many of the challenges inherent with viral-based gene therapies such as immunogenicity, gene of interest size and delivery limitations, ability to re-dose, and vector manufacturing complexity. The Company is advancing an internal pipeline focused on select diseases without a cure, as well as establishing partnerships to take forward programs in both rare and prevalent diseases.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Design, build, optimize and test various genetic constructs for platform and translational research programs (Novel Plasmids, promoters, siRNA, mRNA constructs and other nucleotide based technologies).
• Build and lead a team of scientists who can develop novel genetic payload constructs leveraging expertise in gene design and molecular cloning.
• Be a key opinion leader within the company, think and act strategically, influence within the Research Leadership Team and at the executive leadership level to adapt and improve the scientific strategy for applying the company's novel drug delivery platform.
• Work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team to evaluate non-viral gene therapies using our patented DNA scaffold technology.
• Work with the Head of Research Manufacturing to adapt various DNA and RNA payloads to insure compatibility with the company's DNA-based delivery platform.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders in Research and Technical Development involved in materials procurement, manufacturing and analytics.
• Implement new approaches and chemistries in collaboration with CPTO and Head of Research Manufacturing to expand and improve the capabilities of the 3DNA platform as well as payloads and targeting molecules.
• Lead the development of cell and molecular assays to assess functionality, potency and durability of newly developed genetic payloads.
• Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of genetic payloads and candidates using in vitro pharmacology approaches.
• Ensure focus on project deliverables and prioritize experiments and activities accordingly.
• Work closely with CROs and vendors to outsource activities necessary to maintain corporate timelines.
• Develop plans and timelines to execute on specific and strategic projects.

This role is a member of the Leadership Team, which includes (but not limited to) the following responsibilities:

• Establish, enable, and foster corporate Culture
• Oversee communications to functional team
• Provide input into corporate milestones and timelines
• Manage, mentor, and develop staff to create a high-performing team at Code Bio

Qualifications

• PhD in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry or cell biology with 10+ years of industry experience.
• Proven track record working with DNA and RNA and molecular cloning techniques, design and optimization.
• Prior management experience in leading a multidisciplinary team.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently and multitask in a highly entrepreneurial environment.
• Hands-on experience with gene design and techniques and elements that enhance overall expression and durability of genes and gene constructs, siRNA design and codon optimization.
• Prior experience with promoter design and development.
• Proven ability to develop high quality assay for potency and efficacy assessment.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and the development of cell-based assays.
• Experience with standard molecular techniques: DNA/RNA isolation, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, ddPCR.
• Experience with various plate-based assay screens and assay development (i.e., fluorescence, luminescence, and/or ELISA).

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Strong communication, leadership and people management skills.
• Expertise designing, optimizing, and cloning genes of interest.
• Extensive experience with ddPCR, molecular assays, vector and transgene design and preparation.
• Experience developing analytical assays in support of gene development combined with non-viral vectors, AAV, and/or vaccine development.

Code Bio is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Code Bio will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

In addition, Code Bio is committed to social responsibility and developing an inclusive culture. Much like the development of our novel delivery of genetic medicines, we believe that our work requires the creativity and ingenuity of a diverse workforce, and we are committed to pursuing that in all facets of the work experience at Code Bio. We will continue to educate ourselves about the inequities and barriers present in our society and act as a company where we can make a difference.

Code Bio is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits

At Code Bio we believe in investing in our team. Our compensation & benefits programs are just one of the many ways we strive to help our employees take care of themselves and their families. We offer a variety of programs, from comprehensive medical insurance to generous time off policies designed to help meet the needs of our diverse team. Benefits include:

• Competitive base salary and annual incentive opportunities
• Equity participation
• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits (including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and accident insurance)
• Wellness and recognition programs
• Paid time off and holidays, including a week off at the end of the year to re-charge
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote working (if applicable)

Environment where professional development is actively encouraged