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Absci is a generative AI drug creation company on a mission to create better biologics for patients, faster. We are the company unlocking the design of new antibodies on a computer from scratch, and we’re just getting started. It will take a state-of-the-art wet lab, artificial Intelligence, and above all else a team of brilliant Unlimiters working together to achieve our vision of breakthrough therapeutics at the click of a button, for everyone. We are gritty, creative, and we are pushing the limits of science in a way that no one has done before because that’s how we will save lives. Join us as we redefine what’s possible.

Absci is a global company with a state-of-the-art lab and headquarters in the beautiful Pacific Northwest US, ten minutes from Portland, Oregon, and just an hour away from world-class alpines and rugged Pacific coastlines. Check out this short video to learn more and see how #Unlimiters are creating drugs at the speed of AI: absci.com/joinus

Disease Biology, Associate Director will spearhead the Disease Biology team across the whole value chain of R&D from target validation to proof-of-concept, collaborating extensively with all research functions, preclinical development, BD&L, and external partners. You will have a significant level of scientific research experience with cutting-edge methods and/or platforms ideally in at least one of the fields: immunology or cardiometabolic disease. The Associate Director, will both lead the group as well as participate directly in the work at the lab bench.  

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively execute Absci’s disease biology activities for research and preclinical projects
• Build, lead, guide, and develop a top-performing research team with a focus on drug creation, in vitro pharmacology, pathomechanisms, and genomics.
• Collaborate with, motivate, and empower a high-performing team of scientists in successfully executing project milestones under tight timelines.
• Design in vitro screening cascades and deliver decision-critical in vitro pharmacology data packages for Absci’s research portfolio
• Support effective target evaluation and validation
• Coordinate, guide, and supervise work outsourced to CROs effectively
• Inspire cross-functional connectivity and collaboration across research teams
• Provide world-class scientific input into Absci research therapeutic research programs.
• Contribute to defining a research strategy that clearly connects with business value.
• Ensure that intellectual property generated in disease biology is captured
• Present our science effectively at internal and external meetings
• Effectively split time between leadership activities and hands-on time at the bench.
• Collaborate with Absci’s scientific leadership team to ensure the success of external partnerships and build a company culture that reflects Absci’s core values.

Qualifications:

• Candidates will hold a Ph.D. in the life sciences with a minimum of 10 years of experience, 3 years in the biopharma industry, or a Master’s Degree with equivalent years of experience.  
• Experience has a focus on in vitro pharmacology, cell biology, assay development, and lead candidate profiling. Proven track record of progressing one or more assets to lead the candidate stage.
• Experience managing teams of PhD-level scientists and research associates.
• Track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or relevant patent filings
• Strong knowledge in immunology, cardiometabolic disease, or adjacent area is required.
• Experience using innovative technologies, platforms, and modalities to advance novel drug candidates is a plus.
• Proven ability to  lead a team
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Preferred:

• Experience using CRISPR/Cas9 for cell line engineering
• Experience in human iPSC differentiation
• Experience in high-throughput workflows, laboratory automation, and complex data sets.
• Experience in biologics engineering

The salary range for this position is $152,000- $196,000/year. Competitive equity package applies. Pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to equity, compensation packages include a wide range of medical, dental, vision benefits and ability to participate in our employee stock purchase plan.

Absci offers highly competitive salaries and benefits, including medical, dental, vision insurance, unlimited vacation, parental leave, breakfast and lunch for onsite employees, employee assistance program, voluntary life and disability insurance, annual bonus potential, and 401(k) with a generous company match.

We seek candidates who will dive into our creative company culture that’s collaborative, multidisciplinary, and committed to a big vision for positive impact. We are defying conventions and innovating without boundaries. We are disrupting an industry with bold ideas and passionate pursuit of new possibilities. We are looking for original thinkers, creative scientists, and data-devoted gurus. Successful candidates will be excited to work in a dynamic environment and contribute as a key member of a project team. If this sounds good to you, we invite you to join us in our quest to redefine possible.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. Absci 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. Absci will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Absci offers a dog-friendly work environment - bring your pup along for the ride.

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