Scientist/Research Scientist, Molecular Pharmacology (contract position)

Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA on a mission to develop life-changing medicines for patients with the vision to become the industry-leading G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-focused drug discovery company. The company’s Native Complex Platform™ recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context. This approach enables novel access to modern structural and screening technologies used in industrial-scale drug discovery for the entire class of GPCRs. Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted small molecule programs, many in the Endocrinology space, with potential for growth to target many GPCRs that have been undruggable and unexploited to date. We are excited to expand our multidisciplinary team of individuals focused on creating revolutionary medicines to address the unmet needs of patients. At Septerna we strive to embrace diversity of thought, expertise, and background through collaboration. To join our ambitious team, be prepared to bring your real self to work every day; grow and learn from a talented team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals; and contribute your passion, creativity, and energy to accomplish our mission. We share a fearless pursuit of ground-breaking innovations and cultivate an environment where our employees succeed by learning from each other and working as a team. We are committed to the development of meaningful therapeutics for patients with indications of high unmet need. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented individuals on the frontlines of therapeutic discovery and development. You will directly help move therapies through preclinical research, positioning them for success in the clinic. The successful candidate will add their passion, unique talents, and expertise to a dynamic team motivated to discover new disease-modifying therapeutics for patients in a fast-paced environment. For more information see: [](http://www.septerna.com). **About The Role**We are seeking passionate and creative individuals who want to contribute to Septerna’s mission to utilize innovative drug discovery technologies for GPCR targets. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with one or more of the following cellular or biochemical assay systems: NanoBRET, NanoBiT, BRET, TR-FRET/HTRF, Fluorescence Polarization, AlphaLISA/AlphaScreen, or related luminescence- and fluorescence-based assay platforms applied to GPCR or other membrane-proteins systems. **This is full time 12 month contract.** The chosen candidate will be working to advance Septerna’s Native Complex™ platform by developing quantitative *in vitro* protein-protein interaction (PPI) assays to purified GPCR proteins, cellular membrane preparations, or whole cells overexpressing the GPCR. This position offers the unique opportunity to join an innovative well-funded biotechnology company and to contribute to its long-term success. The position is based in South San Francisco, CA. Title and compensation commensurate with experience. **Responsibilities** - Perform as a hands-on assay development scientist working within drug discovery project teams to develop and prosecute novel plate-based displacement binding assays. - Work collaboratively with Discovery Biology colleagues and our drug discovery project teams to prioritize and advance our science. - Laboratory notebooking, data analysis and documentation. **Qualifications** - BS with 10+ years of hands-on relevant in vitro pharmacology experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting, or a PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry, biophysics or related discipline. - Experience with developing plate-based quantitative protein-protein interaction (PPI) assays as applied to GPCRs or other membrane-protein systems. - Deep familiarity with state-of-the-art assay methodologies capable of measuring binding interactions and experience applying towards development of robust, well-controlled high throughput assays. - Experience with complex data analysis and curve fitting using GraphPad Prism. - Experience with cell culture, cell engineering and fusion construct design, is a plus. - Experience with orthogonal binding and biophysical methods, including SPR, co-elution, or pull-down assays, is a plus. - Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment - Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $57/hr - $70/hr. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training. *We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.* *Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.* *Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.* *We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.* *Septerna participates in the E-Verify program.* *California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice For Job Applicants. If you are a California resident, click [here](https://septerna.com/california-consumer-privacy-act-privacy-notice-for-job-applicants/) for our CCPA Notice.*