This role is responsible for leading internal research projects towards clinical translation; specifically, you will drive the translation of novel small molecules for renal disease.  In this role, you will identify and implement in vitro and in vivo models reflective of human disease based on your deep understanding of disease pathogenesis.  You will also identify preclinical biomarkers for their potential use in human studies.  You will also identify and validate novel therapeutic targets for clinical translation.   In this role, you will select and work closely with contract research organizations and/or collaborators to drive these efforts to completion.   You will also interact with cross-disciplinary functions within Research and Development and the broader organization.  You should be intellectually curious, a proven problem solver, and readily adaptable to changing scientific priorities.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required as is the ability to drive a project independently and as a member of a team. 

Required Skills

• Identify and partner with Contract Research Organizations (CROs); interact directly with Principal Investigators and other key personnel for study coordination and planning, protocol development, research report review, and project timelines; monitor and trouble-shoot outsourced preclinical studies through regular communications and interim data reviews.
• Intellectually lead research effort by designing and executing in vitro (cellular and molecular assays) and in vivo studies in disease models to meet project objectives.
• Troubleshoot protocols, adapt new protocols and probe the scientific literature to identify new approaches as needed.
• Analyze, interpret and effectively communicate research data.
• Write-up and review major scientific findings for internal research reports and/or publication.
• Travel required for occasional conference, CRO study monitoring or collaboration.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records as required in electronic laboratory notebooks, databases and/or spreadsheets for all experiments/studies performed.

Required Experience

Basic Qualifications:

Ph.D in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 2+ years of expereince

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D with 2-5 years experience in pharma/biotech industry

• Experience with outsourcing preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo), including CRO selection and management.
• Experience designing, establishing, and trouble-shooting in vitro cell-based assays and in vivo models reflective of human disease.
• Experience with cell-based assays, biochemical/molecular techniques, preclinical rodent studies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required, including the ability to multi-task and collaborate with other members of the Team.
• Completion of a post-doctoral fellowship
• Experience advancing drug discovery programs towards clinical development
• Evidence of successful, independent research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications 
• Background in renal biology a plus and/or understanding of the pathogenesis of acute and/or chronic disease.

Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease. The Company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit our website at www.akebia.com.

Akebia is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all job applicants.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

• Identify and partner with Contract Research Organizations (CROs); interact directly with Principal Investigators and other key personnel for study coordination and planning, protocol development, research report review, and project timelines; monitor and trouble-shoot outsourced preclinical studies through regular communications and interim data reviews.
• Intellectually lead research effort by designing and executing in vitro (cellular and molecular assays) and in vivo studies in disease models to meet project objectives.
• Troubleshoot protocols, adapt new protocols and probe the scientific literature to identify new approaches as needed.
• Analyze, interpret and effectively communicate research data.
• Write-up and review major scientific findings for internal research reports and/or publication.
• Travel required for occasional conference, CRO study monitoring or collaboration.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records as required in electronic laboratory notebooks, databases and/or spreadsheets for all experiments/studies performed.