Company Overview

Aro Biotherapeutics has an opportunity for a Ph.D., Associate Director in our new laboratory located in Philadelphia, PA.  Centyrins are a unique protein drug platform ideally suited for tissue or cell specific delivery of multiple drug payloads including nucleic acid drugs. Centyrins, a single domain protein engineered to combine the binding properties of antibodies with the biophysical properties of small molecules, represent a new approach to addressing diseases of high unmet need with molecular targets that have previously been ‘undruggable.'  Aro Biotx was launched in January 2018 and has office and laboratory space in the Cambridge Innovation Center in Philadelphia.

The Position

Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, the successful candidate will be a strategic contributor and lead our efforts to discover and develop Centyrin targeted nucleic acids including mRNA, siRNA, ASO, miRNA conjugate therapeutics. The ideal candidate will be involved in many aspects of Centyrin design, library construction.candidate identification using in vitro display technologies, and Centyrin-nucleic acid conjugate optimization. Responsibilites will include laboratory based work (~50% of time) and management of activities and lab personnel related to Centyrin design and Centyrin nucleic acid conjugates. The work will require close interactions with biologists and chemists in a highly collaborative environment. Aro's initial focus is in the oncology space with the potential to expand to other disease areas including immunological diseases. The successful candidate will join of team of chemists and biologists developing Centyrins and Centyrin-conjugates to advance a portfolio of drug candidates in disease areas with high unmet need.

Qualifications

PhD in Structural Biology, Protein Biophysics, Protein Biochemisty or a related field is required. At least 8-10 years of research in an academic or industrial setting post Ph.D. Significant expertise in protein engineering or optimization of therapeutic candidates is needed. A candidate who has moved a molecule from discovery to early clinical development would be a plus. Experience in working in a team environment and with external collaborators is required.  Excellent written and oral communication skills are critical. Ideal candidates will be independent, collaborative and enthusiastic about contributing to a fast-growing team in a culture that rewards innovation. 

Aro Biotherapeutics is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard for any characteristic protected by law.  Aro Biotherapeutics provides a competitive benefits package.