Senior Associate Scientist I/ii, Protein Sciences

Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.   Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.

Summary of Position:

Scholar Rock is seeking a talented scientist to join the Protein Sciences group and be responsible for maintenance of expression cell lines, transient and stable transfection, protein purification, providing protein biochemistry support including production, and characterization of antigens and antibodies to support multiple programs within our R&D Department. This position will provide the opportunity to make visible contributions to a variety of programs while interacting with a knowledgeable and dedicated multidisciplinary team.

Position Responsibilities:

• Manage transient transfection platform (HEK and CHO) to support our discovery pipeline.
• Maintenance of internal inventories and their interface with internal database system
• Tech development to improve expression titers and to generate stable cell lines.
• Protein purification of recombinant proteins (primarily antibodies).
• Maintain detailed records of experimental protocols and data in laboratory notebooks in accordance with company policy.
• Analyze, interpret and report experimental results in a small group setting.

Candidate Requirements:

• BS or MS in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with 0 to 5 years high quality laboratory experience (e.g. independent study, honors/senior thesis, etc.).
• Strong experience in mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques required.
• Hands-on experience with transient cell transfection (HEK and CHO).
• Knowledge of stable cell pool generation, Gibson assembly, basic cloning, and/or gel electrophoresis a plus
• Basic knowledge of protein purification (affinity, gel filtration, etc.)
• Experience with flow cytometry is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The individual should be able to function in a timeline-driven, dynamic environment, and be able to rapidly adapt to new techniques and protocols.
• A strong work ethic, high-level of motivation and good organizational skills are required.
• The successful candidate should have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines and contribute to the strategic goals of the company.
• Flexibility to work in a matrix-managed research organization.