Senior / Principal Scientist

Who We Are

Arda is targeting cells to treat disease. We are taking aim at chronic diseases and aging by eliminating the pathological cells that drive these conditions.

A new approach to old diseases

Cells are the functional units of life, but they are also the functional units of disease. Many diseases are caused by certain cell populations becoming too abundant or active; for example, the overgrowth of stromal cell types contributes to fibrosis, while the excessive activation of particular immune cells leads to chronic inflammation. Arda’s hypothesis is that removing these cells will delay or reverse disease progression.

Our approach starts by using single-cell data to identify pathogenic cells and specific markers to target them. We then design therapies to eliminate these - and only these - cells. We are initially focused on treating chronic diseases, with the long-term goal of extending healthy lifespan.

Arda is a seed-stage biotech located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are backed by Andreessen Horowitz, GV, The Longevity Fund, Village Global, Axial, NJF and others. Our mission is clear, our commitment is strong, and our expectations are high. Come build with us.

What we value

Rigor. Decisions are based on data. Persuasive arguments are built from evidence and logic, not from authority or wishful thinking. Truth is paramount.

Impact. We measure outputs, not inputs. We think carefully about where to put our goalposts, and once placed, we drive toward them with zeal. Value comes from contribution, not credentials.

Community. Whether we succeed or fail, we do so as a team. We communicate with transparency and speak to one another with respect. We reject hypotheses, not people.

Accountability. To our patients and to each other. We are each responsible for our words, actions, and results.

Grit. Doing science means being wrong, a lot. We strive for progress, not perfection. We persevere. We build skill and knowledge through consistent and deliberate effort.

The Role

As a Senior or Principal Scientist, you will lead the discovery phase of multiple programs within Arda's pipeline, generating data packages that inform clear next steps. This is an opportunity to shape the company from the very beginning: your input will be essential to Arda's strategy, process, and culture. The experience you gain in this role is a rare commodity that will establish you as an operator and builder.

Beyond exciting science, you’ll have enough equity to be a true stakeholder in the company, a competitive salary and benefits, an unlimited vacation policy so you can be at your best while you’re working, remote work flexibility, and enthusiastic support from the other members of our inclusive, world-class team.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and execute Arda's experimental strategy in multiple indication areas
• Lead cross functionally antibody programs from target validation to in vivo proof of concept
• Identify and manage preclinical and IHC CROs
• Design and implement cell surface target validation study
• Identify and validate in vivo and in vitro preclinical models for Arda's indications of interest
• Coordinate in vivo studies to assess antibodies PK/PD relationship and efficacy
• Generate clear, comprehensive data packages that inform decision making
• Keep abreast of new technology and add useful assays to Arda's toolbox
• Recruit and mentor junior scientists and research associates
• Build and manage relationships with CRO, consultants, advisors, collaborators, and clinicians

Qualifications

• You have earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences or related discipline with at least 5 years drug discovery experience in a Biotech or Pharma.
• You have experience validating target using IHC
• You have substantial experience as functional lead in an antibody drug discovery and/or a small molecule fibrosis program
• You have deep biological expertise related to antibody drug discovery ideally using Fc-effector function, ADC or TCE modalities
• You have a good understanding and experience using pre-clinical models of fibrotic diseases and establishing PK/PD relationship
• You excel at leading and managing drug discovery projects from inception to conclusion
• You excel at conceptualizing and communicating disease and therapeutic hypothesis
• You have experience managing CROs and external collaborators
• Nice-to-have: experience with data analysis tools such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and programming languages such as Python , R.