Scientist - High Throughput Screening

The Company

Dyno Therapeutics is reshaping the gene therapy landscape through AI-powered vectors. Through the application of our transformative technologies and strategic partnerships with leaders in gene therapy, we believe a future with life changing gene therapies for millions of people is within reach.

Our team includes world-class molecular and synthetic biologists, protein engineers and gene therapy scientists working alongside software engineers, data scientists, and machine learning experts to transform the landscape of available gene therapy capsids. Dyno was named Startup of the Year in 2020 by Xconomy, Endpoints 11 in 2021, and America’s Best Startup in 2022 by Forbes!

The Role

Scientist - High Throughput Screening. We are seeking a focused, creative and enthusiastic scientist to join the In vitro Assay Team. This role will be key in advancing Dyno’s capsid discovery pipeline through design and implementation of new multiplexed functional screens and assays. This position will play a central role in measuring properties of synthetic AAV capsids in vitro to inform the discovery of novel capsids with improved biological properties. This is a highly collaborative position that will partner closely across Applied Biology, Computational Biology, and Machine Learning to guide high-throughput analysis and experimental interpretation. The ideal candidate is a well-organized and self-motivated individual who is driven by creation of new initiatives, innovating within their domain of expertise and excited by interdisciplinary collaboration.

How You Will Contribute

As a Scientist - High Throughput Screening you will be an integral part of the In vitro Assay Team. In this role you will propose and test novel technological approaches to screening libraries of capsids for function. You will develop in vitro cell-based methods to evaluate the interactions of synthetic AAV capsids with antibodies using qPCR and next-generation sequencing. This project is integral to Dyno’s strategy for discovery of antibody-evading capsids. In this role you will need to exercise your scientific creativity and aptitude for optimization and troubleshooting across protein chemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. You will also have opportunities to mentor junior personnel and develop your project management and collaboration skills. Individuals with a background in complex high throughput screening environments (phage display, yeast display, genomic screens, etc.) are encouraged to apply!

Responsibilities 

• Design and test novel high-throughput assays to measure AAV capsid function, such as in vitro transduction and evasion of neutralizing antibodies
• Transition new high-throughput assays from proof-of-concept into standardized workflows
• Maintain up-to-date expertise in the field across technologies relevant to the role
• Independently advance projects through collaboration with a diverse team of wet-lab scientists, protein engineers, and computational scientists
• Interpret data and present work at internal lab meetings

Who you are

• Enthusiastic for opportunities at the intersections of data science and biology
• Trusted partner
• Team player who works well with others
• Thoughtful and detail oriented
• Work with a sense of urgency

Basic qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, virology, immunology, or a related discipline
• 1+ years hands-on industry (preferred) experience developing novel high-throughput assays and/or functional screens in pooled or library context (phage or yeast display, pooled genetic screening, viral diversity screening etc.)
• Molecular biology experience working with nucleic acids (RNA, DNA, PCR, multiplexed qPCR,  RT-qPCR, NGS)
• A quantitative mindset, especially as applied to population screening or selections
• Ability to document, maintain, and share an organized account of lab work and results
• Independence in synthesizing experimental results to inform project direction and consistent progress towards goals
• A desire to communicate and collaborate with scientists of different backgrounds (e.g. computational biologists)

Preferred qualifications

• Background in virology (AAV, parvoviruses, other animal viruses) or immunology research (antiviral immunity, antibody science)
• Prior experience with antibody binding and neutralization assays or ligand binding assays
• Experience with next-generation sequencing methods and library preparation

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.