Research Scientist I/II, Translational Biology

JOB SUMMARY

We seek a motivated and scientifically curious Research Scientist I/II to join our Translational Biology team and contribute to the discovery and development of small-molecule cancer therapeutics, focusing on oncology. This position plays a critical role in integrating in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, external CRO coordination, and mechanistic/translational research to advance pipeline programs.

The candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment alongside experts in machine learning, medicinal chemistry, analytical sciences, and computational biology, and will contribute both intellectually and experimentally to target mechanism validation, lead characterization, and translational biomarker strategy. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Biology group/Project teams to design and develop translational studies for various programs

• Design and manage in vivo pharmacology studies (PK/PD, efficacy, and toxicology with focus on oncology) at CROs

• Coordinate biochemical and cell-based assay development and execution (in-house and externally) to support drug characterization and MOA studies

• Design and execute hands-on experiments in cell and molecular biology, including:

  • Cell proliferation and viability assays

  • ELISA, Western blot, qPCR, flow cytometry

  • Reporter assays and proximity-based assays (e.g., AlphaLISA, HTRF, NanoBRET)

• Work with cross-functional teams to QC and upload data in a timely, organized manner

• Analyze and interpret data from internal experiments, CRO deliverables, and scientific literature to guide decision-making

• Collaborate across functional teams to align experimental designs with project goals

• Contribute to data curation, knowledge management, and infrastructure to support high-quality decision making

• Conduct literature reviews to support the mechanism of action, mechanism of resistance, and translational biomarker strategies

• Present experimental results and project updates at internal team meetings

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD with 0-5 years of experience in biochemistry, cell biology, cancer biology, pharmacology, or related discipline

  • or MS with 5+ years / BS with 8+ years of relevant industry experience

• Experience in cancer research, mechanism of action/resistance, or translational biomarker development is highly desirable

• Hands-on experience in in vivo pharmacology, including:

  • Designing and interpreting PK/PD and efficacy studies in oncology models

  • Familiarity with dosing strategies, route of administration, and biomarker collection (e.g., plasma, tumor tissues)

  • Oversight and coordination of in vivo studies at CROs, with ability to review protocols, QC data, and troubleshoot issues

• Strong proficiency in cell and molecular biology, including cell culture, cell engineering, ELISA, Western blotting, qPCR, and flow cytometry

• Experience developing and troubleshooting biochemical and cell-based assays to evaluate small molecule compounds

• Ability to independently design experiments and analyze data to guide drug discovery and development

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams

• Highly motivated to learn new technologies and contribute across multiple projects

ABOUT IAMBIC THERAPEUTICS

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Iambic Therapeutics is disrupting the therapeutics landscape with its unique AI-driven drug-discovery platform. Iambic has assembled a world-class team that unites pioneering AI experts and experienced drug hunters with strong track records of success in delivering clinically validated therapeutics. The Iambic platform has been demonstrated to deliver high-quality, differentiated therapeutics to clinical stage with unprecedented speed and across multiple target classes and mechanisms of action. The Iambic team is advancing an internal pipeline of clinical assets to address urgent unmet patient needs. Learn more about the Iambic team, platform, and pipeline at iambic.ai.

MISSION & CORE VALUES

The culture and work at Iambic Therapeutics are profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our people and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where a diverse group of talented humans work together to discover therapeutics and create technologies.

ALSO

We offer industry leading competitive pay, company paid healthcare, flexible spending accounts, voluntary life Insurance, 401K matching, and unlimited vacation to our team. We are in a brand-new state-of-the art facility in beautiful San Diego with an onsite gym, dining, and easy access to great places to live and play.