Who We Are:
Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.
Position Description:
There are now many ways to slow aging and extend lifespan in model organisms, including mammals, and Calico seeks an experienced research scientist to validate potential aging targets for entry into our translational drug-development pipeline. The investigator will work with Cynthia Kenyon’s team to identify potential targets and to validate them experimentally (at the bench, through CROs, and by leading highly-collaborative cross-functional teams using state-of-the art technology at Calico and externally). The candidate should have a good working knowledge of molecular genetic regulatory pathways, cell biology, mouse biology and be eager and able to follow the science wherever it leads. Strong computational data-analysis skills are a must. The candidate should have a thirst for knowledge and the desire and ability to master the relevant literature. He or she should have excellent organizational and leadership skills, generosity of spirit, and a passion for slowing aging in humans.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify and validate translational targets for aging
- Rigorously evaluate the case that perturbing the target is likely to slow all or part of aging and extend human health span
- Identify and evaluate potential disease indications
- Evaluate the target from the perspective of safety, freedom to operate, competitive landscape, regulatory feasibility and draggability (using chemical, biologic or genetic interventions)
- Master and follow the relevant biological field and incorporate new findings into your validation strategy
- At the bench and leading cross-functional teams, design and execute target validation experiments that would justify a focused drug development effort
- Analyze experimental data rigorously and critically, and modify your strategy as appropriate
- Project Leadership:
- Provide effective and inspirational leadership for cross-functional project teams
- Provide project management required to ensure successful execution
- Terminate projects and move on when appropriate
- Collaboration:
- Contribute to Calico’s collaborative and innovative research environment
- Collaborate with internal and external partners, including academic institutions and industry collaborators, to best advance the research science
- Publication and Presentations
- Contribute to impactful publications and scientific presentations, both internally and externally
Qualifications:
- PhD or MD-PhD with 0- 9 years experience
- Excellent analytical skills and a creative and curious mind
- Proven track record of high-quality laboratory research and publications
- Strong working knowledge of genetics, cell biology, molecular genetics and physiology
- Excellent computational skills
- Effective speaker and writer
- Strong technical skills at the bench
- Excellent leadership skills and the ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Hands-on drug development experience is desirable but not required.
- Must be willing to work onsite five days per week
- Must submit a cover letter with your application
The estimated base salary range for this role is $127,000 - $172,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.
