Scientist / Senior Scientist, Drug Discovery (Glaucoma)

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for polygenic diseases, with an initial focus on ophthalmology. At the core of Character Bio’s approach is a set of company-sponsored observational studies that integrate patients’ genetics with their longitudinal clinical and imaging data. Character’s interdisciplinary team, spanning clinical research, data science, statistical genetics, machine learning and drug discovery, leverages the company’s platform to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies to enhance clinical success. The company is currently advancing two programs into the clinic for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), with additional programs in earlier stages of discovery research in AMD and Glaucoma therapeutic areas. We are seeking a talented Scientist or Senior Scientist to join our drug discovery team. This role will lead the experimental validation of drug targets and the discovery and optimization of drug candidates. As part of a broader pre-clinical team, this role will also collaborate with genetics and data science groups to nominate drug targets and with development groups to progress lead candidates to IND. This position offers an opportunity to join a growing, dynamic startup and directly contribute to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. Candidates with diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities: • Design and execute go/no-go experiments to assess candidate drug targets • Lead the design and manage the execution of drug discovery activities using modalities appropriate for specific targets (e.g. small molecules, antibodies, recombinant proteins, peptides) • Collaboratively design and manage the execution of in vivo studies with CROs for target validation and for lead candidate selection (e.g. pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, tolerability) • Update experimental plans as new information and tools emerge and innovatively troubleshoot to resolve challenges • Regularly present at internal and external meetings to audiences of diverse scientific backgrounds Key qualifications: • PhD in neuro/retinal biology, cell biology, biochemistry or related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in drug discovery • Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing complex cell-based assays, experience with iPSC-derived neurons, glia, and co-culture models is a plus • Strong track record in driving scientific discovery, including primary authorship in peer-reviewed research papers, patents and conference presentations • Extensive hands-on experience in qRT-PCR, immunoassays, confocal microscopy, and cell-engineering using lentiviral and CRISPR-based approaches. Candidates with proficiency in high content imaging and flow cytometry analysis are preferred • Experience with designing and interpreting in vivo experiments. Experience with retinal function (eg. patterned ERG) data analysis is a plus • Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment • Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential • Experience with managing and mentoring scientific staff is a bonus • Research experience in the following fields is preferred but not required: ocular diseases, glaucoma, neurodegenerative diseases Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and a flexible paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We are an E-Verify company. Apply tot his job