Scientist, Quantitative Lipidomics

Drug Discovery           ·        Seattle, WA        ·       Full time

Job Description.

Cajal is seeking a Scientist, Quantitative Lipidomics, motivated by Cajal’s mission to develop new medicines for patients suffering with neurodegenerative disorders. We are a multi-disciplinary team of experienced scientists, combining state-of-the-art approaches in computational biology, functional genomics, high-throughput imaging, translational models, and drug discovery. In a short time, we have assembled a terrific team of talented, innovative, and passionate individuals to transform the field of neurodegeneration drug discovery. We aim to identify novel drug targets based on a deeper understanding into the spatiotemporal progression of disease and translate those discoveries into therapeutics that change the course of neurodegeneration. Cajal is now expanding to establish a world-class drug discovery organization.

The Scientist, Quantitative Lipidomics will assume responsibility for activities to develop and optimize quantitative assays in the area of translational biomarkers, with a focus on mass spectrometry quantitative assays for the detection of pharmacodynamic biomarkers in preclinical and clinical samples. In addition, as part of a larger effort to identify disease state- and disease progression-biomarkers, the candidate will explore the development and validation of other protein- or lipid- based assays for clinical interrogation. Working with preclinical and clinical colleagues, the candidate will work to refine and optimize biomarker strategies aimed at disease modification. The position also affords the opportunity to participate in and consult with all drug discovery and development projects that could benefit from assay development skills.

The position involves collaborating with multiple departments within Cajal and a larger team of external collaborators at contract research laboratories, and will report to the VP, Biomarkers.

Responsibilities

• Lead assay work to support brain disorder pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies in close collaboration with medicinal chemistry, neurobiology and pharmacokinetic experts.
• Act as the biomarker lead for internal programs aimed at modulating lipid signaling in the brain, and lipid or protein-products due to dysregulated oxidative processes.
• Lead and manage projects at CROs to enable PK/PD programs using mass spectrometry.
• Establish internal capabilities at Cajal for the use of mass spectrometry in biomarker development, to support drug programs and novel screening platforms in human-based cellular systems.
• Ideally, lead all protein-based discovery and mass spec-based quantification efforts in addition to lipid-quantitative assay detection.
• Identify potential biomarkers responsive to changes in metal homeostasis using mass spectrometry methods.

This job might be great for you if you have:

• A PhD and 5-10 years of preclinical and clinical assay development experience.
• The candidate should have hands-on experience in lipidomics using mass spectrometry, including knowledge of shotgun lipidomics, liquid chromatography- high-resolution mass spectrometry, fragmentation techniques, and correlated data processing and analysis software. 
• Knowledge of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight and imaging lipidomics is a plus.
• Evidence of success in method development, qualification, validation using preclinical (rodent or primates) and clinical bio-samples, particularly CSF.
• Expertise with clinical quantitative fluid biomarker studies for neurodegenerative indications (CSF and blood).
• Expertise or familiarity in GLP, CLIA and regulatory aspects of clinical assay development.
• Experience with establishing production and qualification of assay reagents (e.g., lipid and protein standards).
• Demonstrable evidence of interpreting biomarker changes to underlying biology or disease processes.
• Familiarity with industry standard quantitative biology tools, technologies, and vendors.
• Demonstrable evidence of critical analysis and interpretation of data, writing technical reports, publications, IND supporting documents, and presentation to other teams and management.
• A disposition to be very science- and data-driven, detail-oriented and thrive in a highly collaborative, team-oriented startup environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex scientific data. 

Important Considerations

• Cajal operates as a hybrid workplace, but we prefer that team members spend part of their time working on-site in our Seattle offices. Fully remote roles may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance.
• The annual base salary range for this role is $ 135,000-175,000 *

*Final salary depends on qualifications, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with location, where applicable.

Company.

Cajal is a team of people first, motivated by our shared mission to advance the field of neurodegeneration. We are committed to ensuring that all our team members feel supported, connected, and energized at work. Our team members eagerly navigate the uncertainty and fast-paced environment of an early-stage biotech company and thrive on getting things done. We value creativity and curiosity in our work, and we take pride in the generosity, sincerity, and kindness of our team members.

Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation based on experience level
• Health insurance: 100% coverage of premiums for employee, partner, & all dependents
• Dental insurance: 100% of premiums
• Vision insurance: 100% of premiums
• Life insurance: 100% of premiums for 2x salary coverage
• Access to Flexible Spending Account
• 401(K) Plan with matching contributions
• 5 weeks paid time off plus 13 company holidays (2 floating)
• 8 weeks parental leave for primary caregiver or 4 weeks for secondary caregiver in additional to WA Paid Family & Medical Leave (up to 12 additional weeks)
• Generous commuter benefits including free metro cards, on site locker rooms/showers/towel service, modern bike cage and free bike tunes

Located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, Cajal sits at the heart of a vibrant biotech community, directly between research giants such as the Allen Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. We are surrounded by fellow innovative biotech companies and startups and within a stone’s throw of the beautiful Lake Union and the University of Washington. Our newly renovated office and labs offer ample natural light and stunning views of the Space Needle downtown. Our kitchen is fully stocked with coffee, tea, and snacks. All desks are sit-stand for maximal comfort and our meeting rooms seamlessly support hybrid teams.

Cajal is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you require any accommodations during the recruiting process, please contact careers@cajalneuro.com. 

To the extent permitted by applicable law, employment is conditioned upon full vaccination (per CDC guidelines) from the COVID-19 virus, including submission of documented proof thereof, as of the start date. Cajal will comply with applicable law regarding the reasonable accommodation of individuals who are not vaccinated because of a disability and/or sincerely held religious belief.

Please click here to apply.