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Join Us

Head of Discovery
Location: On-site (Spring House, PA) 
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Code Bio is seeking a motivated, flexible, and experienced individual to join our team and lead Discovery. The primary role of the Head of Discovery is to work with the Research team to develop, prepare and characterize novel materials and DNA nanoparticles (DNP) derived from the company’s proprietary 3DNA platform, characterize DMPK and develop strategies for optimizing target selection.  The ideal candidate will leverage his/her experience as a drug developer to conduct in vitro and in vivo testing in support of the development of a robust DMPK dataset.  Additionally, the individual leading these efforts will work collaboratively with the R&D team, as well as the Technical Development team, to transfer the technical details and processes between groups in preparation for scale-up and CMC of the drug candidates.

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Responsibilities
 

  • Build and manage an interdisciplinary team to develop and prepare early-stage preclinical therapeutic payloads and cellular targeting strategies in combination with our proprietary, patented DNA scaffold technology. 

  • Design and execute a platform assessment program with the goal of development a comprehensive dataset in support of DMPK of Discovery stage DNA-based nanoparticles

  • Design novel molecular approaches to address key MOA and data driven questions as part of both development and technical solution-based research

  • Establish collaborative timelines for the preparation, characterization, and quality assessment of small batch materials with the Research Leadership as well as for Discovery stage research to meet corporate objectives, milestones and budgets.   

  • Simultaneously prepare and deliver materials consisting of multiple payload types, targeting modalities, and 3DNA conjugated test materials to meet the broad and comprehensive needs of the diverse and parallel running early preclinical research studies.  

  • Rapidly adapt to produce additional or unique test materials based on a data and results driven process to accelerate the assessment of test materials demonstrating positive outcome. 

  • Collaborate cross functionally on the development of research and analytical methods to assess functionality and durability of genetic payloads and targeting molecules.  

  • Implement new approaches and chemistries in collaboration with CPTO and PD to expand and improve the capabilities of the 3DNA platform as well as payloads and targeting molecules 

  • Provide comprehensive documentation for trackability of all materials transferred to the Research team characterizing the output of the research manufacturing process to demonstrate reproducibility of manufacturing, purity of material, and process rigor. 

  • Adapt various purification methodologies and biochemistry/molecular biology techniques to yield high purity, functional genetic payloads and targeting molecules to enable novel therapeutic strategies.  

  • Design and test protocols in collaboration with the Head of Process Development (PD) to enable scale up manufacture for technical transfer internally to PD or externally to CROs, CDMOs, or other 3rd party who may be responsible for future manufacturing activities and BioAnalytical assay transfers and management.

  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders in Research and Technical Development involved in materials procurement, manufacturing and analytics. 

  • Maintain all data acquisition and analysis in electronic laboratory notebook for streamlined tracing across experiments and studies. 

  • Present the results of the development process and integral scientific characterization data to the Research team as part of regular cross-functional meetings.

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Qualifications 
 

  • PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or similar field with 10+ years of industry experience or MS with 15+ years of industry experience

  • Detail and timeline oriented with strong organizational and communication skills

  • Highly motivated, ethical, and professional self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and a quality and sense of urgency mindset, who is capable of influence and negotiation with stakeholders to successfully prosecute the completion of projects per timeline

  • Experienced drug developer with a background in Discovery research including leading ADME and PK studies along with assay and analytical methods development in support of a variety of research programs

  • Significant experience with biomolecule conjugation chemistries and methods

  • Experience with the preparation and characterization of research grade materials used in non-clinical testing in vitro and in vivo

  • Hands-on experience with nucleic acid and other biomolecule purification techniques including affinity, SEC and AEX chromatography, and methods routinely used to purify plasmids, small and large RNA and DNA molecules and protein/peptide oligo conjugates

  • Experience with in vitro assay development including HPLC separation and characterization assays, gel electrophoresis, gene and protein expression including Western analysis, qPCR, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and cell-based functionality testing

  • Experience in molecular cloning and a basic understanding of plasmid/vector characterization

  • Ability to troubleshoot and adapt existing methods or develop new methods to improve the output of current processes

  • Experience building and managing a team of cross-functional scientists

  • Demonstrated motivational leadership leading teams with an ability to articulate vision and successfully drive execution

  • Flexible and comfortable with a fast-paced and evolving business environment

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Positive interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with individuals from a variety of levels and functions, leads by example

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Code Bio offers a complete set of Benefits and Total Rewards to employees.

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Code Bio is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Code Bio will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

 

In addition, Code Bio is committed to social responsibility and developing an inclusive culture. Much like the development of our novel delivery of genetic medicines, we believe that our work requires the creativity and ingenuity of a diverse workforce, and we are committed to pursuing that in all facets of the work experience at Code Bio. We will continue to educate ourselves about the inequities and barriers present in our society and act as a company where we can make a difference.

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Code Bio is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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