Celgene is a global biopharmaceutical company leading the way in medical innovation to help patients live longer, better lives. Our purpose as a company is to discover and develop therapies that will change the course of human health. We value our passion for patients, quest for innovation, spirit of independence and love of challenge. With a presence in more than 70 countries – and growing we look for talented people to grow our business, advance our science and contribute to our unique culture. The key therapeutic platforms currently under investigation leverage a broad range of biological activities that allow for the development of novel paradigm-changing therapeutics. Our discovery research teams are organized into four Thematic Centers of Excellence (TCoE), including Protein Homeostasis, Epigenetics, Immuno-oncology and Inflammation & Immunology. Within each these areas, discovery research, translational research, and early clinical development are integrated into a single team.

Summary/Scope
The early drug discovery effort of our team in the Protein Homeostasis TCoE is focused on the exploration of the molecular underpinning of cancer development and progression, and the design and characterization of novel antitumor agents. We are seeking a PhD scientist to define the underlying mechanism of response and resistance to novel cereblon modulating agents targeting protein turnover and function for the treatment of hematological cancers. More specifically, Next Generation Sequencing tools, proteomics and molecular/genetic approaches will be utilized to delineate the molecular, genetic and epigenetic signatures of cancer cell specific addiction programs, which could be manipulated by cereblon modulating agents to achieve antitumor activity. The understanding of mechanism of action of these agents will help us identify the right disease indications, select sensitive patient population and devise rational combination therapies to combat resistance. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with discovery project teams and scientists across the PH TCoE functional areas and to present his or her work at project team meetings and to the senior research leadership.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Generate testable hypotheses, design research protocols and execute experiments
• Utilize CRISPR and RNAi to determine the disease relevance of novel cereblon substrates
• Perform cellular experiments to help define the SAR of cereblon modulators
• Utilize genetic and pharmacological approaches to define the MOA of candidate agents
• Design and develop novel assays
• Document, interpret and troubleshoot results
• Convey data analysis and interpretation to supervisor and colleagues
• Communicate with peers and supervisors and foster teamwork
• Contribute to collaborative efforts
• Strong commitment to quality and reproducibility
• Demonstrate adaptability
• Supervise or guide research staffs

Qualifications:
Ph.D. in molecular genetics or related scientific discipline with at least 2 years of work experience.  Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline with at least 10 years work experience or Master’s degree with at least 8 years work experience may be considered.
Prefer graduate work focusing on the regulation of gene expression at the molecular level.
Strong publication record in major scientific journals. 

Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Extensive wet-lab experience with routine molecular, cellular and genetic biology tools
• Extensive experience with Cas9-CRISPR mediated gene editing
• Extensive experience with flow cytometry analysis and FACS
• Extensive experience with next generation sequencing(NGS) methods
• Experience with analysis of NGS datasets is preferred but not required
• Highly motivated and strong team player with a high degree of independence
• Innovative and critical thinking
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and oralFunctional/Scientific/Technical Skills:
  • Able to design complex experiments with scientific rationale.
  • Able to critically analyze and interpret data.
  • Learning the drug development process.
  • Draw appropriate conclusions.
  • Possess in-depth knowledge in area.
  • Understands fundamental scientific problems and can apply knowledge to research and development projects and problems in a positive manner.
  • Developing skills in critical interpretation of scientific data and problem solving and reporting of scientific data.

  Tasks and Responsibilities:
  • Contributes individually as well as on cross functional teams.
  • Responsible for more complex assignments and for more than 1 project.
  • Able to evaluate CRO’s.
  • Well versed in fundamentals of functional area.
  • Understands the context, impact and timely communication of data.

  Discretion/Latitude:
  • Works as an individual contributor.
  • Viewed as a knowledgeable resource within the department.
  • Supervising/mentor role in function.

  Creativity and Problem Solving:
  • Critically assess project(s) and formulates ideas.
  • Implement solutions independently.
  • Scope of problem solving is generally within the departmental function.
  • Recommend and formulate protocols and experimental plans.

  Teamwork and Influence:
  • Communicates with cross functional team.
  • Routinely contributes to the achievement of workgroup/team goals.
  • Represents workgroup/team or department on multi-disciplinary or cross functional teams.

  Organizational Impact:
  • Beginning to have a direct impact on departmental performance.
  • Impact is achieved primarily by contributing to team efforts.

  Behavioral Competencies:
  • Acts with integrity
  • Analysis of issues
  • Building relationships
  • Coaching and developing others
  • Delivers presentations
  • Develops systems & process
  • Fosters open communication
  • Influence others
  • Innovates
  • Manages execution
  • Planning