The chemistry group at Poseida is seeking a highly motivated and creative synthetic scientist to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative team. As part of Poseida’s gene therapy efforts, the group’s mission is to develop novel ionizable lipids and conjugates as specific targeting non-viral delivery tools for genome editing and gene therapy applications. This is a laboratory-based position, and this person will design, synthesize, characterize, and optimize novel cationic lipid, polymers, and lipid-like compounds, and work closely with formulation screening, analytical and pharmacology teams within Poseida. The successful candidate will have a strong background in small molecules syntheses, with experience of lipids syntheses and purification will be considered a plus, but not necessary.

Responsibilities 

These include but are not limited to:

• Synthesize novel ionizable lipids, cationic polymers, lipid-conjugates, lipid-like compounds, or other molecules suitable for use in nucleic acid delivery in vivo or ex vivo.
• Independently conduct synthetic planning, purification, and characterization with minimal supervision.
• Execute scaleup and early process development studies for lead molecules to support preclinical activities.
• Work closely with formulations and pharmacology teams to establish structure-activity relationships for novel ionizable lipid, lipid-like compounds, and other novel nanoparticle excipients.
• Analyze and present experimental data to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Work closely with the IP team and R&D leads to support existing patent strategy and to enable diligent and quick patent filings on new inventions.
• Follow EHS safety regulations and maintain a safety working environment.
• Advise the functional group leadership about chemical solutions for the broader research programs, making recommendations, and building the teams to execute accordingly.

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in a scientific discipline (e.g., organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, polymer science or relevant discipline) with 0-2 years’ relevant industry experience. Bachelor's degree with 10 years or Master’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience, must have a minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).
• Expertise in modern organic synthesis and knowledge on development of non-viral gene delivery platform.
• Demonstrated experience in syntheses, purifications and characterizations of small organic molecules including heterocycles, carbohydrates, lipids, or closely related compounds.
• Hands-on experience with FT-IR, NMR, TLC, Column chromatography, HPLC and LCMS.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a results-oriented research team environment.
• Self-motivated and comfortable with outstanding multidisciplinary organization and multitasking capacity

Research Scientist, Synthetic Chemistry pay range is: $100,000 to $120,000. The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type, and length of experience with the industry, education, geographic location, etc.

Who We Are and What We Do 

Based in San Diego, Poseida Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company utilizing our unique and proprietary genetic engineering platform technologies to create next-generation cell and gene therapies with the capacity to cure. We are passionate about making an impact on patients’ lives with the development of our CAR-T therapies in various cancers and gene therapies for rare diseases. Our goal is to deliver potential single treatment cures for patients in need. Our portfolio of product candidates is specifically designed to overcome the limitations of current generation cell and gene therapeutics.