Scientist position
About Navega
Navega Therapeutics is a preclinical stage company developing epigenetic-regulation gene therapies to tackle common diseases. Instead of editing the genome, Navega is harnessing the power of the epigenome to modify gene expression and treat challenging diseases. As its first indication, Navega is pursuing a rare indication -Inherited Erythromelalgia- in which patients have chronic pain due to a gain-of-function mutation in the NaV1.7 gene. Other indications in Navega's pipeline include neurological and ophthalmic diseases.
Navega is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Erythromelalgia program as a Scientist. The ideal candidate will have broad cell and molecular biology experience, a collaborative spirit, and a desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment.
Roles
- Collaboratively plan and execute experiments to support IND-enabling studies.
- Develop assays to measure genes/proteins of interest.
- Collaboratively generate relevant cell lines.
- Conduct experiments to optimize viral vector design.
- Screen for lead candidate efficacy in neuronal cell lines, and iPSC-derived neural cell types.
- Prepare written reports to support IND applications.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Perform molecular biology techniques such as cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis.
- Characterize gene and protein changes by various methods (qPCR, ddPCR, RNAseq, Western Blot, ELISA, RNAscope).
- Use aseptic technique for tissue culture, transfections and transductions.
- Keep detailed experimental records.
- Analyze and interpret data. Summarize experimental findings in a presentation or report.
- Use analytical skills and creativity with a willingness to review the scientific literature independently.
- Identify areas of key need across clinical development and champion unique solutions to address those needs
- Contribute to general lab management and organization.
- Collaborate to design and implement SOPs.
Preferred skills:
- Experience with iPSCs and primary cell culture.
- Experience with preparing and analyzing sequencing (RNAseq, ChIPseq) libraries.
- Viral production (AAV and lentivirus).
- Immunohistochemistry and microscopy.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, or related field.
- 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
- Proficient in molecular biology techniques, including cell culture (primary neuronal, iPSCs, immortalized cells), transfection, DNA/RNA/protein isolation, PCR, plasmid cloning, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, western blot, and ELISA.
- Experience with gene engineering (CRISPR, ZF, TALEN) preferred.
- Experience with virus-mediated delivery methods and non-viral gene delivery.
- Preference for experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Proficient in data and statistical analysis.
- Animal handling and in vivo pharmacology skills.
- Familiar with rodent models of pain.
- Demonstrates drive and resilience. Quick learner, highly motivated, and detail oriented. Able to handle setbacks, grow from mistakes, and maintain composure in difficult circumstances.
- Critical thinking and troubleshooting. Ability to make informed decisions for experimental design and able to identify problems to improve experiments.
- Efficient and effective. Able to work independently under minimal supervision. Can handle working in a fast-paced environment. Effectively manages time and appropriately prioritizes work from multiple projects.
- Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent communicator with presentation experience and strong publication record.
- Team player with good interpersonal skills. Committed to helping the team achieve milestones. Works well with peers and supervisors. Reliable and able to effectively collaborate with others when necessary.
Work Location:
San Diego, CA
Job Type:
Full-time
If interested in this position, please send your resume to info@navegatx.com
