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 (PH), 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 PH TCoE is built on our legacy IMiD drugs, which exhibited therapeutic efficacy in erythema nodosum leprosum, myelodysplastic syndrome, and multiple myeloma. This class of drugs hijack the cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase to eliminate disease-driving proteins that are otherwise considered “undruggable”. The early drug discovery team in the PH TCoE is now seeking a motivated PhD scientist to assist the development of cereblon modulating agents that target novel cereblon neosubstrates for ubiquitination and degradation for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. The successful candidate will develop and utilize state-of-art biotechnology tools to identify novel substrates and perform target validation for the relevant disease indication. The successful candidate will work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment, and w ill 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
Lead genome-wide and focused CRISPR screens
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 and Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related scientific discipline with at least 4 years of relevant work experience. Strong publication record in major scientific journals is required.

Skills/Knowledge Required :
Extensive wet-lab experience with routine molecular, cellular and genetic biology tools
Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing
Experience with genome-wide CRISPR screens is preferred
Extensive training in cancer biology
Research experience in hematologic malignancies is preferred
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 oral