join the susa family.

Position Description

We are seeking a talented Senior Research Associate to be an integral part of our drug discovery platform expansion to include disease model systems for emerging projects. We are searching for an individual who is excited to develop in vitro disease model systems in an intimate and small team focused on the discovery, preclinical validation, and clinical translation of novel biologics for chronic and rare degenerative diseases. The individual will be an integral member of the expanding discovery team to increase our pipeline of state-of-the-art biologics. The ideal candidate will have industry experience in a drug discovery and early development setting and have been involved in high throughput screening, lead candidate selection, and IND-enabling studies for biologics.

Company Summary

Juvena Therapeutics is on a mission to discover and develop biologics for rare and chronic degenerative diseases by mining the secretomes of human pluripotent stem cells through a machine learning (ML)-enhanced platform. Juvena’s approach integrates proteomics, transcriptomics and imaging with phenotypic human in vitro disease model screening and extensive preclinical validation to mine stem cell secretomes as a rich source of new medicines for chronic and rare diseases. We are advancing leads for muscular dystrophies, muscle atrophy, injury, and osteopathies. Since our launch in mid-2018, Juvena has discovered and validated 22 hits for neuromuscular, skeletal, and metabolic diseases. Juvena is advancing a lead program for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, a rare autosomal dominant, progressive muscle-wasting disease.

Juvena Therapeutics has secured venture capital, NIH, and CIRM funding to develop their top lead to a clinical-stage investigational new drug, to build their stem cell secretome database, and to leverage their discovery platform to rapidly identify and validate novel protein-based drug candidates for multiple rare and chronic diseases across inflammatory, cardiometabolic and hepatic therapeutic areas. At Juvena we embrace a diversity of backgrounds, experience and approaches that all combine to lead us to world-class scientific results in an inclusive environment.

• Build our expertise in human disease models to expand Juvena’s platform screening capabilities across multiple organ model systems
• Integrate the latest in cell culture techniques and analytical methods to increase throughput and information content in our in vitro screening and pharmacology
• Oversee and perform experiments in disease model systems as well as support our projects with cell-based and biochemical assays
• Communicate scientific data internally and externally
• Contribute to a dynamic and exciting culture that embraces teamwork and innovation
• Maintain flexibility in supporting multiple discovery and preclinical projects as the company grows

• A relevant degree in biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field with 2-5 years of industry experience in a drug discovery environment
• Demonstrated ability to support small molecule screening or biologic-based high-throughput screening projects
• Documented experience with assay development and troubleshooting

• Experience with 3D cultures and organoids
• Knowledge of regenerative medicine, cardiometabolic, and pulmonary disease areas
• Understanding of how disease model data fits into bioinformatics and machine learning applications

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus and stock options
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• More benefits coming soon (including initiation of 401(k) matching program)

Apply for the Position

Apply to this Job through the following means:

• LinkedIn job posting
• Website job posting