Scientist/ Senior Scientist, Biology

The Company

Marlinspike Therapeutics is an early-stage biotech discovering and developing small molecule therapeutics against novel cancer vulnerabilities. RNA splicing is highly dysregulated in cancers, creating new opportunities for therapeutic intervention by targeting key nodes of the RNA processing pathway. Marlinspike has brought together a powerful platform underpinned by unique synthetic lethality screens in relevant biological contexts to identify key cancer vulnerabilities.

In addition to tumor-intrinsic dependencies, recent work from our academic founder Professor Thomas (‘Trey’) Westbrook from Baylor College of Medicine, has revealed that targeting splicing in certain cancers can activate powerful anti-tumor immune pathways. To rapidly target these vulnerabilities, Marlinspike uses an integrated modern medicinal chemistry platform spanning: biochemistry, computational chemistry, structural biology, and medicinal chemistry to develop both covalent and non-covalent modulators.

Marlinspike Therapeutics has established a state-of-the-art laboratory in Cambridge, MA, and is funded through Series A by Apple Tree Partners (ATP), a leader in life sciences venture capital, with $2.65 billion in committed capital.

Position Summary

Marlinspike is seeking an experienced and motivated biologist to join a dynamic drug discovery team focused on developing small molecules for genomically-defined cancer patient populations. We are looking for someone with experience studying the molecular and cellular process underlying RNA splicing, RNA transcription, DNA repair, and/or related processes. In this role, you will play a critical role in advancing Marlinspike’s mission to develop novel small molecule modulators of RNA splicing as breakthrough therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.

The successful candidate will have deep experience in the growth and engineering of human cancer cell models, experimental design, small molecule screening, quantitative assessment of dose response in cellular assays including anti-proliferation and apoptosis assays, measurement of RNA transcript levels (e.g., qRT-PCR and NanoString), immunodetection (e.g., Western blotting and ProteinSimple), and cellular target engagement assays (e.g., thermal shift assays and nanoBRET).

This individual will become part of an interdisciplinary team of biologists, biochemists, and chemists. This laboratory-based role will require creativity and rigor in applying molecular, cellular, and biochemical methods to screen for and discover selective small molecule modulators. Prior experience in drug discovery will be an advantage. Strong work ethic and meticulous record keeping are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, validate, and run assays for quantitative assessment of small molecule modulators
• Genome editing of mammalian cells, transfections, and transductions and the maintenance and propagation of multiple mammalian cell lines in parallel
• Strong understanding of molecular biology techniques (including cloning of plasmids for expression in mammalian cell culture systems)
• Perform a range of cellular assays in 96 well and 384 well formats (e.g., cellular viability and nanoBRET assays)
• RNA and protein extraction using standard techniques and the quantification of RNA transcript and protein levels
• Perform co-immunoprecipitation experiments
• Perform ELISAs
• Discover and develop PD markers for on-target activity
• Discover and develop patient selection hypotheses as well as identify cellular and animal models to test these hypotheses
• Prepare technical reports, including SOPs, and method development reports
• Work closely with chemistry and translational partners to provide timely, integrated assessment of small molecule activity
• Communicate findings and present research results to internal and external scientific partners
  
  

Role Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biology or related field with 1-3 years of experience in drug discovery
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and across partner research organizations
• Proven core competency in molecular and cellular biology techniques and demonstrated capabilities in quantitative analysis of molecular and cellular biology data
• Ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments to characterize small molecule effects on molecular and cellular readouts
• Experience with immunology or immune-oncology is a plus
• Experience in team leadership and/or direct mentorship of scientists
• Strong communication skills and ability to share information with colleagues at multiple levels of the organization
  
  

On-site work only, no hybrid or remote option.

Marlinspike Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.