Associate Scientist, Discovery, Toronto
POINT Biopharma, Canada
Job Description
POINT Biopharma Global Inc. is a globally focused radiopharmaceutical company building a platform for the clinical development and commercialization of radioligands that fight cancer. POINT aims to transform precision oncology by combining a portfolio of targeted radioligand assets, a seasoned management team, an industry-leading pipeline, in-house manufacturing capabilities, and secured supply for medical isotopes including actinium-225 and lutetium-177. POINT’s active clinical trials include FRONTIER, a phase 1 trial for PNT2004, a pan-cancer program targeting fibroblast activation protein- (FAP-), and SPLASH, the phase 3 trial for PNT2002 for people with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after second-line hormonal treatment.
TO BE CONSIDERED, APPLICANTS MUST BE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO WORK IN CANADA.
This position will be located onsite downtown Toronto near University Avenue and College Street with the anticipation of travel for team and client meetings.
Overview
Reporting to the Senior Scientist of Preclinical, the Associate Scientist of Discovery will plan and execute experiments to support early-stage programs and the expansion of POINT’s discovery pipeline. The ideal candidate will have broad expertise in ligand discovery, hit-to-lead optimization, ligand characterization, bioorthogonal chemistry, and protein conjugation techniques. They will work closely with the Ramp;D team at POINT, as well as external partners, to advance candidate radiopharmaceuticals for preclinical development.
Objectives
- Oversee the characterization of early-stage ligands using biochemical and/or biophysical techniques, such as enzyme kinetics, SPR, BLI, ELISA, DSF and ITC.
- Design, optimize and perform in vitro assays to assess the binding kinetics, affinity, biochemical stability and cellular activity of small molecule and peptide-based ligands.
- Work collaboratively with Ramp;D staff to execute day-to-day discovery activities.
- Critically assess data and methods, adapting and adjusting procedures as necessary.
- In conjunction with managers, establish priorities and meet timelines for key experiments.
- Support preclinical and late-stage assets as necessary.
Accountabilities
- Produce high-quality analytical and biochemical data.
- Manage time effectively between multiple projects.
- Plan and perform research work both independently and with the guidance of senior scientists.
- Provide clear communication of scientific data to co-workers through internal presentations and written methods.
- Meet deadlines for collaborative projects and internal programs.
- Maintain accurate records of experimental details, SOPs, materials on hand, etc
- Maintaining a safe working environment for themselves and others through full compliance with health and safety protocols.
- Perform or direct routine laboratory procedures (generation of common reagents and stocks, maintenance of laboratory equipment, maintaining a clean laboratory environment, etc.)
Requirements
- M.Sc. or Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, pharmacy, or related discipline.
- 3+ years relevant experience (industry preferred) with M.Sc., 1-2 years experience with Ph.D.
- Strong background in developing, performing, and analyzing in vitro biochemical/biophysical assays.
- Experience with biorthogonal chemistry and protein conjugation (azide-alkyne click chemistry, NHS coupling, cysteine/maleimide chemistry).
- Familiarity with protein biochemistry, expression, purification and characterization (FPLC, MALLS, western blots).
- Experience with typical biochemistry laboratory operations and equipment (pipetting devices, balances, pH meters, centrifuges, plate readers, gel electrophoresis system, gel imagers, etc.)
- Understanding of drug properties and in vivo behaviour (PK/PD, biodistribution, and principles of medicinal chemistry).
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Working knowledge of MS-Office, Graphpad Prism, and ChemDraw.
- Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.
- Experience with small-molecule and peptide analytical techniques (HPLC, LC/MS, NMR) is an asset.
- Knowledge or experience with radiopharmaceuticals is considered an asset
Why joining POINT today will be the right career move for you:
There is no shortage of demand for smart, qualified and hardworking people like yourself and we strongly believe POINT is the right career move for you. Here is why:
- You will help establish and define an organization that will change the course of cancer therapies. and help thousands of people each year
- You will be challenged, and are expected to challenge us, as