Research Associate to Associate Scientist, Functional Genomics (Contract positio

Light Horse Therapeutics is a developer of first-in-class small molecule therapeutics based in San Diego, leading the way in precision genome editing applied to small molecule drug discovery and pioneering approaches to target the root causes of disabling and life-threatening diseases. Its advanced platform identifies cryptic chemically accessible functional domains within targets that play critical roles in disease biology. This high-throughput discovery platform systematically interrogates complex signaling pathways and uncovers unique sites of vulnerability in their native, cellular context to best ensure that discoveries in the lab translate into the clinic. Light Horse therapeutics was founded by leading academics Brian Liau, PhD (Harvard), Ben Cravatt, PhD (Scripps) and Nathanael Gray, PhD (Stanford) with financial backing from Versant Ventures and Mubadala Capital as well as three strategic investors: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, AbbVie and Taiho Ventures.

Light Horse Therapeutics is seeking a talented, motivated, and creative Research Associate to join the Functional Genomics Group as a contractor for a minimum of 6 months, renewable upon performance and business needs. The candidate will contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of CRISPR-based gene editing screens to study novel oncology targets. They will also perform mechanistic experiments to characterize these targets and the impact of various mutations on their function. The candidate will have the opportunity to employ multiple experimental techniques in cell biology to build an understanding of novel target biology in a dynamic start-up environment that employs cutting-edge tools in functional genomics and proteomic technologies.

This is a temporary contract position, located in our San Diego office, with an expected duration of a minimum of 6 months. This role is not eligible for benefits.

Job Description:

• Execute CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis screens using state-of-the-art technologies and multiple phenotypic readouts.
• Execute target and site validation studies in disease-relevant preclinical models using both high-throughput and in-depth cell biology experiments.
• Contribute to experimental planning and data analysis
• Position mostly requires benchwork responsibilities involving multitasking
• Present results regularly at team meetings
• Perform diligent and timely note-keeping and work process tracking

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in biological science with at least 2 years hands-on experience in a Biotech or Pharma setting
• Proficiency in mammalian cell line culture, especially large-scale projects
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques, including DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, mammalian cell line transfection and lentiviral infection
• Track record of being able to multitask while working independently
• Excellent technical laboratory skills
• Attention to details in documenting, executing, and analyzing experiments
• Flexibility and eagerness to tackle new tasks and challenges, and meet aggressive timelines
• Ability to work closely with team members and across disciplines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis screens
• Experience with lentivirus production, infection and selection
• Experience constructing next generation sequencing libraries
• Experience with high throughput assay development for cell growth and gene/protein expression
• Experience with flow cytometry is a plus

The anticipated pay rate for candidates who will work in San Diego, CA is $31.00 to $60.00/hour . The final pay rate offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.

This is a temporary contract position, located in our San Diego office, with an expected duration of a minimum of 6 months. This role is not eligible for benefits.