WHO WE ARE
Belharra Therapeutics is an early-stage small molecule discovery company founded by pioneers in the field of chemical biology. Through the application of our proprietary chemoproteomics platform merged with innovative biology and medicinal chemistry, we are modulating protein function in previously unidentified ways to push the limits of drug discovery. Our aim is to deliver transformative, first-in-class medicines for patients suffering from the most serious diseases.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Belharra is looking for a motivated Scientist I/II to join our proteomics team. In this role, you’ll collaborate with chemists and biologists to create and use specialized tools for drug discovery. The successful candidate will have a background in high-throughput sample preparation and small molecule screening of large libraries. We are seeking a self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and an innovative mindset. This role will contribute to the growth of Belharra’s research portfolio by screening high value targets in a variety of cell-based assays.
WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
- Align with proteomics team to develop and advance an in-cell proteomic platform to profile proteome wide engagement of chemical probes though quantitative mass spectrometry.
- The candidate will work closely within the proteomics team identify and characterize hits from our chemoproteomics platform.
- Align with and support the platform group for different types of mass sample preparations including probe enrichments, competition, and dose response analysis.
- Support biology group with chemical probe validation of screening hits and confirming target engagement and selectivity.
- Interface with chemistry group to advance understanding of structure-activity relationships and in cell target engagement.
- Participate in all aspects of laboratory operations.
- Candidate must have excellent problem-solving skills and be self-motivated.
- Strong ability to communicate with project teams through presentations.
- Clearly and accurately document work.
- Perform under tight timelines and work effectively across multiple projects and align with different project teams.
Requirements
- PhD or MS with 8+ years or BS with 10+ years.
- Chemical biology experience including mechanism of action studies and probe profiling, biochemistry, cell biology, and quantitative mass spectrometry methods desired (industry experience preferred).
- Ability to work closely across disciplines with Biology and Chemistry teams to advance programs.
- Functional understanding of chemical principles and structure-activity relationships.
- Experience in complex sample preparation including immunoprecipitations, small-molecule enrichments, and whole proteome analysis.
- Knowledge in biophysical characterization methods for proteins (SDS-PAGE, Western blot) and an interest in advanced methods (NanoBRET, SPR, ITC, etc.) is a plus.
- Well-rounded molecular biology toolkit including: CRISPR, transient transfection, generating stable cell lines, mutagenesis, etc.
- Tissue culture experience with immortalized cell lines (suspension and adherent). Primary tissue culture experience is a plus.
- General understanding of proteomic acquisition and quantitative analysis techniques and experience with different data analysis platforms is advantageous such as IP2, MaxQuant, Skyline, and Proteome Discover.
- Familiarity with target deconvolution approaches including chemoproteomics, CESTA, DARTS and FUSION.
- Working knowledge of cell biology and high-throughput screening techniques.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TEAM
- People-first approach. You take pride in the way you collaborate and partner with people across the business.
- Passion for problem solving. You are excited by new challenges and know how to achieve maximum results and drive projects forward.
- Thirst for overachieving. You don’t just meet goals, you set the standard.
- Candidate must have excellent problem-solving skills and be self-motivated.
- Strong ability to communicate with project teams through presentations and preparation of data packages.
- Clearly and accurately document work.
- Perform under tight timelines and work effectively across multiple projects and align with different project teams.
WHAT YOU’LL GET AS PART OF OUR TEAM
- A collaborative, fun, and positive culture.
- Limitless growth and learning opportunities.
- A chance to make a lasting impact on drug discovery and human health.
- Competitive compensation and company ownership.
- Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision coverage from a broad choice of providers and plans.
- 100% of Target premium coverage for employees; 85% of Target premium coverage for eligible dependents
- 401(k) program with a company sponsored contribution.
- “Take what you need” vacation and sick leave policy.
- 10 annual paid company holidays, plus the last week of December.
- A new office and lab space in San Diego with flexibility and autonomy to do your work how and where you need.
Pay Scale Range (CA)
$116,000—$154,000 USD
At Belharra Therapeutics, Inc. pay ranges are subject to change and are assigned to a job based on its level within the company. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget.
Belharra is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status and to affirmatively seek to advance the principles of equal employment opportunity.
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Top Skills
What We Do
Belharra Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held drug discovery company whose novel photoaffinity-based chemoproteomics platform is disrupting the drug discovery paradigm. Guided by a diverse team of biotech trailblazers, Belharra’s proprietary noncovalent drug discovery engine is uniquely capable of identifying novel starting points for transformative medicines to address previously impossible-to-treat diseases and conditions.
The company’s next generation chemoproteomics platform enables Belharra scientists to identify small molecule drug candidates for any binding site, on any protein, in any conformational state, in any cell type. Originating with Christopher G. Parker, Ph.D. and John Teijaro, Ph.D. at Scripps Research and pioneers in the field of chemical biology and serial biotech founders Benjamin Cravatt, Ph.D. at Scripps Research and Stuart Schreiber, Ph.D. at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the four co-founded Belharra Therapeutics in 2021 with a $50M Series A financing from Versant Ventures and incubation at Inception Therapeutics. Belharra is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with its primary lab and offices in San Diego, California.
