Associate Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist, Cell Biology

Who We Are Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases. The most advanced clinical program, bezuclastinib, is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is designed to potently inhibit the KIT D816V mutation as well as other mutations in KIT exon 17. KIT D816V is responsible for driving systemic mastocytosis (SM), a serious disease caused by unchecked proliferation of mast cells. Exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Top-line results from registration-directed trials in NonAdvanced SM, Advanced SM and GIST are expected in 2025. The company also has an ongoing Phase 1 study of its novel internally discovered FGFR2 inhibitor. In addition, the Cogent Research Team is developing a portfolio of novel targeted therapies to help patients fighting serious, genetically driven diseases targeting mutations in ErbB2, PI3K and KRAS.
Our Team

We are looking for a biologist to work in a pre-clinical drug development setting focusing on cell-based assays that support target validation, translational studies, and exploratory biology. This role would join the in-house cell biology team and assist with general laboratory maintenance and organization, and work up to other areas including assay development and routine cell-based techniques. The ideal candidate will come with exposure to previous mammalian cell culture, strong organizational skills, and a desire and eagerness to learn and contribute. Responsibilities

• Lab management to support cell biology team with organization of operations, general lab supplies, instrument maintenance and sample banking.
• Routine cell line management in support of team member needs
• Perform and help optimize routine cell-based assays to support lead program advancements (ELISA/HTRF/NanoBRET/Licor imaging/etc.)
• Plan and execute cell line engineering to enable desired in vitro and in vivo functional assays (Molecular cloning/CRISPR/stable cell generation), and molecular characterization of cell systems (DNA/RNA extraction/PCR/sequencing/Western blots/etc.)
• Design hypothesis-driven experiments, collect data, interpret, and present findings to a multi-disciplinary team
• Contribute intellectually and technically to efforts in identifying and validating potential therapeutic candidates
• Champion emerging technologies and methods to more efficiently serve program needs

Qualifications

• BA/BS +2 years relevant academic or industry experience or MS degree in relevant field, including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology. Experience in drug discovery is desired. Final job title/position will be commensurate with experience.
• Experience with aseptic technique is a minimum requirement, with a good background knowledge of mammalian cell culture and techniques across a variety of cell lines
• Hands-on experience with standard wet lab molecular techniques is desired (DNA/RNA prep, PCR, qPCR, Western Blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, luminescent assays, etc.)
• Knowledge and familiarity with cancer cell biology is an advantageous qualification
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative environment
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and work efficiently with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated verbal/written communication skills

Target Bonus 10% Exact title and compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location. Our Locations
Waltham, MA: Our Boston office includes an open office layout that has recently undergone a makeover designed for collaboration and giving our employees the best work place possible. Free access is provided for both on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.
Boulder, CO: We have just moved into our new state-of-the art Research Facility in the fast-growing biopharmaceutical hub in the greater Denver/Boulder corridor. Our CEO is based full-time in this location and we are proud to call this the home of Cogents discovery research organization.
Our Offer To You
To attract the very best talent, we offer a generous benefits package that includes competitive pay, performance-based bonus, stock options, insurance coverage (health, dental, life, and disability), competitive time-off, a 401(k) plan, and commuter/parking benefits.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.