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Form of workWe are seeking a Senior Research Associate in the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic (DMPK) department. The qualified candidate will be a critical member of the group and work closely with our established team performing various in vitro metabolism assays, metabolite identification studies, and bioanalytical work to screen chemical entities for new drug candidates. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a core discovery group within a successful biopharmaceutical company and bring drugs from ideas to the clinic.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Perform various in vitro metabolism studies to address specific DMPK questions in drug discovery
- Develop analytical methods using a mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) to separate and detect small molecules and peptides
- Prepare and deliver scientific presentations and reports to communicate research results within and outside the DMPK department
- Influence discovery decisions and contribute significantly to corporate goals and project milestones
- Maintain a command of relevant scientific literature, research method sections of DMPK publications and evaluate implications for internal projects
- Assume responsibility for maintaining laboratory equipment, facilitate their use by other scientists, and maintain clear, detailed, and up-to-date experimental records
- Conduct other duties as assigned
Position Requirements & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or related field with at least five years of hands-on, relevant DMPK lab experience working with a mass spectrometer (or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry with at least two years of of experience)
- Experience performing metabolic stability, CYP inhibition, and metabolite ID studies in liver subcellular fractions, preparing and analyzing samples from biological matrices using a mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) as the primary analytical tool, and with sample preparation and bioanalysis of preclinical in vitro and in vivo ADME/PK studies
- Strong consideration will be given to candidates proficient in using and troubleshooting a LC-MS/MS (Sciex instrumentation is a plus)
- Demonstrated technical proficiency, scientific creativity, problem solving ability, and capable of independently planning and executing experiments while proactively seeking out senior personnel to discuss potential solutions to problems
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential in this collaborative work environment
- Highly motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment with a desire to learn and tackle new challenges
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $110,000 and $120,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Protagonist Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company with peptide-based new chemical entities (NCEs) rusfertide and JNJ-2113 (formerly PN-235) in advanced stages of clinical development, both derived from the Company's proprietary technology platform. Protagonist and Janssen scientists jointly discovered PN-235 (now known as JNJ-2113) as part of Protagonist's Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) collaboration with Janssen and followed it through IND-enabling pre-clinical and Phase 1 studies, with Janssen assuming responsibility for further clinical development. Rusfertide, a mimetic of the natural hormone hepcidin, is the Company's lead drug candidate currently in a global Phase 3 development program. The randomized portion of the Phase 2 REVIVE study was unblinded, showing positive results and is now complete, with an open-label extension underway. The global Phase 3 VERIFY study of rusfertide in polycythemia vera is ongoing. Protagonist retains all worldwide development and commercialization rights to rusfertide. More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates and clinical studies can be found on the Company's website at www.protagonist-inc.com.
