Scientist/
Senior Scientist: Drug Target Identification

Who we are

Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals is a vibrant biotechnology company located at IPSEN biolabs, a new state of the art facility in the heart of Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA, with a focus on developing novel treatments for ALS and Alzheimer’s disease. We are harnessing our years of experience studying biomolecular condensates, stress granules and RNA binding proteins to discover and develop small molecules for neurodegenerative diseases with clear unmet medical need. Our investors include three world class pharmaceutical companies dedicated to curing neurodegeneration: AbbVie, Pfizer, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Position Summary

Aquinnah is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative, and innovative Scientist /Senior Scientist, to join our Target Identification efforts across multiple programs. Using in- house developed expertise and management of CROs, the candidate will employ multiple biochemical and analytical approaches to identify the protein targets of various lead compounds. In addition, this position will involve the development and execution of Target validation studies.

The successful candidate will be goal-oriented, creative, work well in a team-based environment, and be highly motivated to the discovery of new therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. This position will have excellent growth potential and the successful candidate will gain exposure to the breadth of activities required to develop Kirst in class therapeutics, from an accomplished industry experienced leadership team.

What you will do

• Reporting to Director of Discovery Biology, you will lead our expanding Target ID efforts to:

  • Perform and manage experimental efforts including photoaffinity labeling, chromatography and mass-spectrometry analysis

  • With Aquinnah’s medicinal chemists, develop and test new chemical probes

  • Develop and execute target validation studies

  • Train research associates to assist in target identification and validation studies

• Presentation of program status and progress to the leadership team on a regular basis

• Write up study reports

• Lead/coordinate CRO to achieve research goals

• Work in coordination with biology and chemistry leads

What you will need

• Ph.D. degree in biochemistry or similar field

• 2+ years of postdoc or industry drug discovery experience, with relevant work related to target identification/Target validation

• Proficiency in performing protein mass spectrometry and data analysis

• Experience managing CROs/ academic collaboration and mentoring research associates

What you will Get

• This is an excellent opportunity to join a promising biotechnology company at an early stage.

• Aquinnah will provide a competitive salary, health insurance, 401K, bonus plan and other benefits.

• Share options as approved by our board.

• Ample opportunity for learning, promotion and career development.

• Work in a fun, collaborative and inclusive environment where you will shape the company’s future and help deliver new medicines to patients!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

For further information, visit our website at AquinnahPharmaceuticals.com

Send your curriculum vitae and inquiries to: ccarew@aquinnahpharmaceuticals.com

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