At Pliant, we believe differentiated science can make a meaningful impact. We see our success as a direct result of the central role that each team member plays in advancing our mission to develop therapies that target the disease at its source. We are seeking creative, curious and collaborative individuals who dare to succeed, are committed to making an important impact on patient’s lives and will help us build one Pliant!
We have an immediate opening for a contract Scientist within our Translational Sciences group. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) contract position with a duration of 6 months.
This individual will join a team focused on discovery and advancement of tissue-specific delivery of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules. The primary responsibility of this position will be to design and manage preclinical in vivo and in vitro experiments supporting one or more of Pliant’s tissue-specific delivery platforms.
Responsibilities- Plan, design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments related to Pliant’s novel drug delivery platform
- Design and manage experiments run at external CROs to advance our understanding of tissue-specific drug delivery platforms across multiple disease indications
- Advance drug discovery programs by interacting with and communicating results to interdisciplinary team
- Manage and supervise the day-to-day work of one or more Research Associates including training and coaching
- Contribute to development and adoption of new technologies
- Provide support for various research team projects using dynamic prioritization
- Actively lead and/or participate in project meetings
- Prepare detailed protocols, document experimental observations, analyze data promptly, and maintain accurate, well-organized records
- Evaluate and clearly report experimental results to research team on a routine basis
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology or related field, with 2+ years industry experience in drug development
- Expertise in cardiovascular, autoimmune, immuno-oncology or fibrotic disease preferred
- Experience designing wet-lab assays that utilize basic cell biology laboratory procedures including cell culture, cell transfection, qRT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry/FACS, Western blot, fluorescent microscopy, immunofluorescence-based staining, etc.
- Having experience working with Operetta CLS High content imaging and Sony Sorter is a plus
- Experience working with iPSC cells is a plus
- Experience designing, managing and analyzing results from in vivo studies evaluating drug PD/efficacy
- Experience with evaluating CROs and managing in vivo and/or in vitro work performed by CROs
- Strong evidence of conceptual thinking, active follow-through, and vigorous scientific curiosity
- Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Candidate should be flexible with rapid changes in schedule based on scope/prioritization of projects
- Candidate should exhibit strong, positive attitude for teamwork and learning
- Ability to thrive in a culture of respect, accountability, transparency, and collaboration
The hourly rate for this role is $71/hr – $79/hr. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training.
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Skills Required
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology or related field with 2+ years industry experience in drug development
- Expertise in cardiovascular, autoimmune, immuno-oncology or fibrotic disease
- Experience designing wet-lab assays using cell culture, cell transfection, qRT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry/FACS, Western blot, fluorescent microscopy, immunofluorescence-based staining
- Experience with Operetta CLS High content imaging and Sony Sorter
- Experience working with iPSC cells
- Experience designing, managing and analyzing in vivo studies evaluating drug PD/efficacy
- Experience evaluating CROs and managing in vivo and/or in vitro work performed by CROs
- Strong conceptual thinking, scientific curiosity, and active follow-through
- Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Flexibility with rapid changes in schedule and project prioritization
- Ability to supervise and train Research Associates
What We Do
Pliant Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company and leader in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. At Pliant, we share a commitment and a clear passion to drive innovative science towards addressing areas of unmet medical need. Together we believe we have the power to make a difference in the lives of patients and those impacted by fibrotic diseases. We believe that by harnessing the therapeutic potential of integrin biology and TGF-β modulation, there is a potential to create drug candidates aimed at halting or even reversing fibrotic diseases. Pliant recognizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and that they require an evolving and ongoing commitment. Pliant is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or potential candidate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual preference or any other legally protected category. Pliant is located in South San Francisco, California, the birthplace of biotechnology. Proud to be a San Francisco Business Times Best Place to Work in 2023. Learn more about how we are breaking ground in the treatment of fibrotic diseases at www.PliantRx.com.
