Senior Associate Scientist - Plate-based Assays

Casma Overview

Casma Therapeutics is developing a novel targeted protein degradation approach based on the autophagy-lysosome system in order to open new target areas for drug discovery and development that will profoundly impact the lives of patients. Autophagy is a conserved cellular process that contributes to overall cellular homeostasis. In comparison to the proteasome, the autophagy machinery targets larger and more complex disease targets-such as organelles, protein aggregates and large signaling complexes and directs them to the lysosome for elimination. By selectively degrading disease targets by autophagy, Casma expects to be able to arrest or reverse the progression of disease in multiple oncology, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. Casma was launched in 2018 by Third Rock Ventures. In total, Casma has raised $154.5M in Series A, B and C financing.

The Role

The highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist works at the intersection of our Biology and Drug Discovery teams. The individual plays a critical role in developing Casma’s novel degrader platform by building a suite of assays to examine cellular engagement and degradation across targets. The ideal candidate is a team player possessing strong core competencies in cell biology, molecular biology and assay development, shares our excitement about the science, contributes to our culture, and honors our commitment to patients.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Biology and Drug Discovery teams to identify assay needs to enable compound selection and SAR.
• Design, engineer, and characterize stable cell lines using lentiviral or retroviral transduction.
• Utilize a variety of techniques (e.g. western blotting, FACS, luminescent reporter assays, immunofluorescent imaging) to develop and run robust assays for target engagement and degradation across a broad array of disease targets.
• Establish high throughput 384-well format assays to drive drug discovery decisions.
• Identify and address key mechanistic questions using chemical and genetic approaches.
• Independently interpret data, recommend next steps, and engage colleagues for advice/questions.
• Actively participate on a dynamic and collaborative team focused on patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate the ability to take the lead and prioritize sensitive projects.
• Write detailed protocols and effectively troubleshoot issues in order to partner with CROs.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements + Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology or related discipline plus 5 years of experience in an industry setting.
• Proficient in mammalian cell culture techniques such as immunofluorescence microscopy, antibiotic selection, clonal cell isolation, transfection, virus preparation, viral transduction, and stable cell line generation.
• Biochemical experience in techniques such as western blotting, immuno-precipitation, and immunocytochemistry.
• Experience with plate-based assays (e.g., Luciferase reporter assays, AlphaLISA, HTRF, Nano Bit, Nano-Bret, Lumit, MSD, CETSA, ELISA, etc.).
• Experience with cell growth and cytotoxicity techniques (e.g., Incucyte and Cell Titer Glo).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to details.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully participate in a highly-creative and enthusiastic start-up environment.
• Exemplify a patient-first focus, courage, integrity, drive, and respect for all team members.

Additional preferred skills

• Hands-on knowledge of flow cytometry.
• Expertise in immunofluorescent high-content imaging and analysis.
• Prior experience with targeted protein degradation, modalities and drug discovery.
• Prior experience with high-throughput screening and lab automation/robotic liquid handling systems (i.e., BRAVO, ECHO) is a plus. Expertise in genetic manipulation using CRISPR technologies.
• Knowledge of primary cell culture and/or development of in vitro disease models.

Company Values + Culture

Courage to listen, learn, lead, Awesome science, Strength through collaboration, Medical breakthroughs for patients, Always do the right thing

We are sustaining a creative scientific culture where we recognize and reward our “Casmaniacs” for exemplifying our Core Values, and we accelerate our professional growth through coaching, development, and frequent feedback. Our plan of nurturing the fiercest, most talented and diverse Casmaniacs has come to fruition. Consider joining us.

Casmaniacs are provided competitive salaries, stock options, bonus eligibility, and excellent benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible vacation, generous parental leave, commuter reimbursement, professional development, philanthropic opportunities, and most importantly a sense of community and belonging.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Casma provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, or genetics.