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Director / Senior Director: Drug Discovery & Target Identification (LNP-mRNA Platform / "Drug Hunter")

SUMMARY

We are seeking an innovative, highly motivated, and proven "Drug Hunter" at the Director or Senior Director level to join our Translational Biology team and lead the Target Identification and Drug Discovery efforts. The successful candidate will drive the expansion of our proprietary Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP)-mRNA nucleic acid delivery platform, specifically optimizing it for the delivery of therapeutic proteins to treat a broad range of human diseases. In this role, you will be responsible for the development of target ID and discovery strategies, managing a robust Discovery portfolio for therapeutic targets as we aggressively expand our franchise The candidate will lead the prioritization of therapeutic targets based on scientific rationale, drug ability, medical need, risk, and competitive landscape.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership & Strategy: Lead a high-performing team to identify and interrogate novel target pathways, enriching the company pipeline and developing innovative research plans to validate targets.
Platform Scaling: Drive the expansion of our established discovery platform from rare disease targets into broader, more common disease indications.
Advanced Technology Integration: Leverage next-generation technologies, deep biostatistics, and cutting-edge AI applications to identify drug candidates and manage complex digital workflows.
Preclinical Development: Formulate clear biological hypotheses, identify preclinical models that accurately represent target patient populations, and successfully advance projects toward clinical development.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner across the full spectrum of development activities and project teams to advance ground-breaking, LNP-mRNA-based new drug candidates.
Stakeholder & Program Management: Cultivate strong internal and external relationships with key stakeholders, utilizing excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills to orchestrate realistic, efficient program plans.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience: PhD with 12–15+ years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a heavy emphasis on drug target ID, validation, and preclinical discovery drug development.
Track Record: Proven track record as a "Drug Hunter" leading discovery teams involved in identifying, validating, and successfully advancing novel drug targets/modalities into clinical development.
Advanced Tech & AI: Deep familiarity with next-generation technologies to identify drug candidates and a clear track record of applying AI applications to drug development.
Data & Computational Literacy: Proficient computer skills paired with a deep understanding of biostatistics to drive high-throughput screening analysis and predictive modeling.
Portfolio Management: Deep understanding of drug development, competitive landscapes, and experience managing a Discovery portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas (including rare and non-rare/common diseases).
Pharmacology Expertise: Strong understanding of classical pharmacological principles and the drug discovery process, with the ability to support the assessment of potency and efficacy and contribute to predictions of human efficacy.
In Vito/In Vivo Modeling: Extensive experience with animal models of disease, as well as the design and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate drug candidates and explore novel therapeutic hypotheses.
Translational Biomarkers: Experience utilizing pharmacodynamic endpoints, such as translational biomarkers or in vivo imaging, to guide program progression.
Innovation & Tech: Ability to investigate, select, and/or develop new methods and technologies for project advancement and monitor workflows to enable seamless execution of studies.
Matrix Leadership: Experience managing pharmacology and discovery research in a matrixed environment and establishing high-impact external academic and industry collaborations.
Strategic Communication: Demonstrated ability to translate overarching strategy into action; excellent analytical skills and an ability to communicate complex biological issues in a simple way to mitigate risks.
Platform Alignment: Experience in mRNA therapeutics, RNA-based medicines, or LNP delivery platforms is highly preferred.
Core Attributes: Strong sense of urgency, initiative, ethics/integrity, and innovation, alongside excellent presentation and oral/written communication skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

An exciting opportunity to join a company that offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

Full range of health benefits, including Medical, Dental & Vision, with options for
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
Competitive salaries and bonus plans, plus equity via Stock Options
Free variety of snacks and beverages
Health and Wellness programs
$100 Anniversary cash awards with opportunity to increase to $2000!
Referral Bonuses
Company-sponsored FUN events

Arcturus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant I to support research activities focused on nucleic acid therapeutics, molecular biology, and cellular assays. The successful candidate will provide hands-on laboratory support for projects involving plasmid design and construction, mRNA production, mammalian cell culture, protein expression analysis, and immunoassays.

This position is ideal for an individual with strong laboratory fundamentals, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a passion for scientific discovery. The candidate should be eager to learn, take initiative, and contribute beyond routine experimental execution in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Molecular Biology

Design and analyze plasmids using SnapGene or comparable molecular biology software.
Perform routine cloning workflows, including PCR amplification, restriction enzyme digestion, Gibson Assembly and/or ligation-based cloning, bacterial transformation, colony screening, and construct verification.
Maintain bacterial cultures and glycerol stocks for plasmid propagation.
Perform plasmid purification using miniprep, midiprep, and maxiprep procedures.
Analyze DNA sequencing results and confirm construct identity and sequence integrity.
Maintain accurate records of plasmid inventories, sequences, and cloning strategies.

mRNA and In Vitro Transcription

Prepare DNA templates and set up in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions for mRNA production.
Support mRNA purification, quantification, handling, and characterization workflows.
Prepare reagents and maintain detailed documentation related to mRNA synthesis experiments.

Mammalian Cell Biology

Maintain, expand, and cryopreserve mammalian cell lines using aseptic technique.
Perform cell counting, viability assessment, and routine monitoring of cell health.
Execute transient transfection studies using established delivery methods and protocols.
Troubleshoot routine cell culture issues and maintain an organized cell culture workspace.
Protein and Immunoassay Analysis
Perform Western blotting, In-Cell Western assays, immunocytochemistry, and related immunostaining techniques.
Conduct ELISA and other kit-based biochemical assays by accurately following manufacturer protocols and internal procedures.
Collect, analyze, and document assay results with attention to accuracy and reproducibility.

Data Analysis and Scientific Communication

Organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data using Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and other relevant scientific software.
Use GraphPad Prism to perform basic statistical analyses and generate clear, publication-quality graphs and figures.
Prepare scientific presentations and experimental summaries using Microsoft PowerPoint.
Communicate experimental plans, observations, results, and potential issues clearly in written and verbal formats.
Participate in project and team meetings and present experimental findings when appropriate.

Laboratory Operations and Documentation

Maintain accurate, complete, and timely laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
Prepare reagents, manage inventories, and support general laboratory organization and equipment upkeep.
Follow laboratory safety requirements, standard operating procedures, and data integrity practices.
Collaborate effectively with scientists and cross-functional colleagues while managing multiple priorities.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
0-2 years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical setting.
Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques, bacterial culture, plasmid purification, and cloning workflows.
Experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and transfection.
Familiarity with protein analysis or immunoassay methods such as Western blotting or ELISA.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data organization and analysis and Microsoft PowerPoint for scientific presentations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accurate record keeping.

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Arcturus Therapeutics

Current Open Positions