Jnana Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its next-generation RAPID chemoproteomics platform to discover medicines for highly validated, challenging-to-drug targets to treat diseases with high unmet needs. Jnana is focused on developing first- and best-in-class therapies to treat a wide range of diseases, including rare diseases and immune-mediated diseases. Jnana's lead program, JNT-517, which targets an allosteric site on the phenylalanine transporter SLC6A19, is a potential first-in-class oral approach for the treatment of PKU, a rare genetic metabolic disease. Located in Boston, Jnana brings together scientific leaders in small molecule drug discovery and development, and a highly experienced management team. For more information, please visit www.jnanatx.com and follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
At Jnana, you'll join a diverse, passionate team dedicated to advancing therapies for challenging diseases. Our collaborative, purpose-driven culture fosters innovation, urgency, and belonging—making Jnana a great place to work!
About The Opportunity
Jnana Therapeutics is seeking a molecular and cell biology specialist to help drive the expansion of our early discovery portfolio. In this role, you will be joining the multi-disciplinary Discovery Technologies team to validate small molecule binders and establish on-target cellular activity. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing novel cell-based assays and engineering cell lines.
This is an exciting opportunity for a scientifically curious and driven scientist who embraces both challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm, contributing beyond your core responsibilities to help bring innovative medicines to patients.
Responsibilities
Lead efforts to design and develop cell-based assays to functionally characterize small molecule binders arising from our RAPID platform.
Perform structure activity relationship (SAR) assays to drive medicinal chemistry.
Become a subject matter expert on target biology and disease area.
Generate and characterize cell lines for RAPID platform screening.
Critically evaluate potential new targets for technical feasibility and disease relevance.
Work collaboratively with Discovery Technology colleagues across protein biochemistry and structural biology.
Leverage drug discovery experience to impact Jnana's pipeline and strategy.
Deliver regular presentations of your data to colleagues and leadership.
Preferred Qualifications & Past Experience
PhD in Biology, Cell Biology, or relevant discipline with 0-2 years of industry experience.
B.S. or M.S. with 6+ years of industry experience and a strong scientific track record.
Experience in cellular readouts of protein activity, e.g. transcriptional/translational reporters, NanoBit/BRET, qPCR, HTRF, flow cytometry.
Well-versed in vector selection, construct design/engineering, and a range of gene delivery technologies (transfection, transduction, electroporation, CRISPR knock-in).
Hands-on experience overcoming challenges in cell line engineering and assay development.
Experience with protein biochemistry, biophysics, or structure is a plus. There is the opportunity to contribute to these areas, as well, with relevant experience.
Hands-on experience with liquid handling instrumentation (Tecan, Viaflo, Biotek) is a plus.
Must be a committed, collaborative self-starter with a passion for learning and problem-solving.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Biotechnology
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