WHO WE ARE
Belharra Therapeutics is an early-stage small molecule discovery company founded by pioneers in the field of chemical biology. Through the application of our proprietary chemoproteomics platform merged with innovative biology and medicinal chemistry, we are modulating protein function in previously unidentified ways to push the limits of drug discovery. Our aim is to deliver transformative, first-in-class medicines for patients suffering from the most serious diseases.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a highly engaged and creative analytical proteomics associate scientist to join our multidisciplinary drug discovery team in developing novel therapeutics to treat unmet medical needs. Belharra is employing a novel photoaffinity-based chemical probe library and quantitative mass spectrometry to identify chemical probes that selectively bind proteins in cells. The successful candidate will have familiarity with preparing, running, and analyzing complex proteomic samples for mass spectrometry analysis to support platform enablement.
WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
- Develop targeted mass spectrometry-based methods (PRM, SRM) to quantify probe-enriched proteins from live cells.
- Perform diverse quantitative mass spectrometry-based analysis (TMT, SILAC, label-free, intact mass) of protein samples including, but not limited to, whole proteomes, probe enrichments, and immunoprecipitations.
- Perform post-translation modification analysis of proteomic samples including acetylation, phosphorylation, and methylation.
- Weekly calibration and quality control assessment of a suite of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instruments including Lumos, QQQ, and Eclipse Tribrid instruments.
- General understanding of different types of quantitative MS software including Skyline, DIANN, Comet and Proteome Discover.
- Mastery of basic software like MS office (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint) and Prism for ease of data analysis.
- A plus would be understanding of automation for diverse sample preparation (Hamilton instrumentation).
- Basic understanding of tissue culture and cell line maintenance and expansion.
- Effectively work across partner lines including biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, and chemical biology to support and enable Belharra drug discovery programs.
- Present at weekly lab meetings and company meetings.
- Excellent troubleshooting capabilities with analytical instrumentation.
- Desire to optimize current workflows to improve sensitivity and speed of proteomic analysis.
- Proficiency with common scientific software and data analyses.
- Maintain electronic lab notebook.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TEAM
- MS with 3+ years or BS with 6+ years of cell/chemical biology and/or proteomics experience (industry experience preferred).
- Hands-on experience with complex sample preparation methods including immunoprecipitations, small-molecule protein enrichments, and whole proteome analyses.
- Experience with high-throughput or automated assay workflows is a plus.
- General understanding of chemical principles and structure-activity relationships.
- General understanding of target engagement (e.g., NanoBRET, SPR, ITC) and deconvolution (e.g., chemoproteomics, CETSA, DARTS) techniques.
- General understanding of quantitative proteomic data acquisition and analysis techniques (e.g., DIA, SILAC, TMT, PRM).
- Proficiency with common scientific software and data analyses (Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad) and interest in bioinformatics is a plus.
- Tissue culture experience with immortalized cell lines (suspension and adherent).
- People-first approach. You take pride in the way you collaborate and partner with people across the business.
- Passion for problem solving. You are excited by new challenges and know how to achieve maximum results and drive projects forward.
WHAT YOU’LL GET AS PART OF OUR TEAM
- A collaborative, fun, and positive culture.
- Limitless growth and learning opportunities.
- A chance to make a lasting impact on drug discovery and human health.
- Competitive compensation and company ownership.
- Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision coverage from a broad choice of providers and plans.
- 100% of Target premium coverage for employees; 85% of Target premium coverage for eligible dependents
- 401(k) program with a company sponsored contribution.
- “Take what you need” vacation and sick leave policy.
- 10 annual paid company holidays, plus the last week of December.
- The lifestyle of San Diego with an open, vibrant work and lab space with flexibility and autonomy to do your work how and where you need.
Belharra is committed to being an Equal Opportunity and our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status and to affirmatively seek to advance the principles of equal employment opportunity.
Pay Scale Range (CA)
$85,000—$104,000 USD
At Belharra Therapeutics, Inc. pay ranges are subject to change and are assigned to a job based on its level within the company. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget.
Belharra is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status and to affirmatively seek to advance the principles of equal employment opportunity.
Privacy Act Notice and Policy Statement
What We Do
Belharra Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held drug discovery company whose novel photoaffinity-based chemoproteomics platform is disrupting the drug discovery paradigm. Guided by a diverse team of biotech trailblazers, Belharra’s proprietary noncovalent drug discovery engine is uniquely capable of identifying novel starting points for transformative medicines to address previously impossible-to-treat diseases and conditions.
The company’s next generation chemoproteomics platform enables Belharra scientists to identify small molecule drug candidates for any binding site, on any protein, in any conformational state, in any cell type. Originating with Christopher G. Parker, Ph.D. and John Teijaro, Ph.D. at Scripps Research and pioneers in the field of chemical biology and serial biotech founders Benjamin Cravatt, Ph.D. at Scripps Research and Stuart Schreiber, Ph.D. at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the four co-founded Belharra Therapeutics in 2021 with a $50M Series A financing from Versant Ventures and incubation at Inception Therapeutics. Belharra is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with its primary lab and offices in San Diego, California.
