Director, Target Discovery

Company: Omega Therapeutics
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: January 16, 2022

Job Description:

Omega Therapeutics is a development-stage biotechnology company pioneering the first systematic approach to use mRNA therapeutics as a new class of programmable epigenetic medicines by leveraging its OMEGA Epigenomic Programming-- --- - --- - platform. The OMEGA-- --- - --- - platform harnesses the power of epigenetics, the mechanism that controls gene expression and every aspect of an organism's life from cell genesis, growth and differentiation to cell death. Using a suite of technologies, paired with Omega's process of systemic, rational and integrative drug design, the OMEGA platform enables control of fundamental epigenetic processes to correct the root cause of disease by returning aberrant gene expression to a normal range without altering native nucleic acid sequences. Omega's engineered, modular, and programmable mRNA-encoded epigenetic medicines, Omega Epigenomic Controllers-- --- - --- -, target specific intervention points amongst the thousands of mapped and validated proprietary and novel DNA-sequence-based epigenomic loci, EpiZips-- --- - --- - to durably tune single or multiple genes to treat and cure disease through Precision Genomic Control-- --- - --- -. Omega is currently advancing a broad pipeline of development candidates spanning a range of disease areas, including oncology, regenerative medicine, multigenic diseases including immunology, and select monogenic diseases. About the Role: Be a part of what Fierce Life Sciences has proclaimed as a finalist in 2021 Life Sciences Innovation Award! Omega Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a highly innovative Director, Target Discovery to help disrupt the standard of care. Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, the Director, Target Discovery, will collaborate with the Discovery Research and Computational Genomics teams to design and execute experimental plans to identify and validate novel targets for our early therapeutic pipeline, validating target biology, mechanism of action (MoA) and preliminary in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept (PoC) studies. Omega Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a candidate that is independent and motivated, balancing a keen scientific curiosity with a pragmatic can-do attitude and sense of urgency necessary to succeed in drug discovery and development. This role will be expected to efficiently lead and manage laboratory staff, as well as effectively plan, manage, and execute multiple projects. The successful candidate must be motivated to work in a driven, collaborative, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with colleagues from Discovery Research and Computational Genomics & Data Sciences to develop and integrate enabling technology to identify and validate novel targets Identify and drive therapeutic target concepts forward from concept through validation of target biology and mechanism of action (MoA) and preliminary in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept (PoC) Design and optimization of functional assays and development of preclinical model systems Design, execution, analysis, interpretation and documentation of in vitro and in vivo studies Ensure data generated is communicated in a concise, easy to understand manner to the appropriate teams and stakeholders Develop intellectual property, publish scientific articles and other tasks related to company's business and scientific interests Lead, train and mentor a team of 2-4 scientific staff Required Skills: Expertise in mammalian cell culture Experience performing functional genomics screens Expertise in cell and molecular biology techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, and proliferation/cytotoxicity/apoptosis assays Demonstrated ability to work independently to design testing cascades and associated experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot, and suggest next steps Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills Candidate should be a strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills and with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a fast-paced team environment Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong presentation and facilitation skills to effectively inform management of key updates and challenges Excellent organization skills and ability to manage and contribute to multiple projects in parallel Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related field with 5-8+ years of relevant laboratory experience in a biotechnology industry drug discovery setting Experience in gene therapy/editing, epigenetic therapies or related area(s) Experience across therapeutic areas including regenerative medicine and metabolic disease, multigenic diseases including immunology, oncology, and both rare and non-rare monogenic diseases Experience with a range of preclinical models of disease Excellent leadership capabilities in building and motivating successful teams, as well as building and managing productive academic and CRO-based research collaborations

Keywords: Omega Therapeutics, Cambridge , Director, Target Discovery, Executive , Cambridge, Massachusetts