Septerna, Inc.
Overview
Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA focused on developing life-changing medicines. Our Native Complex Platform recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context, enabling access to modern structural and screening technologies for GPCR-focused drug discovery. Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted small molecule programs with potential to target previously undruggable and underexplored GPCRs. We are expanding our multidisciplinary team to address unmet patient needs. We value diversity of thought, expertise, and background through collaboration. Join a team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals who share a fearless pursuit of ground-breaking innovations and an environment that supports learning and teamwork. This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to preclinical research and move therapies toward the clinic by applying your passion, unique talents, and expertise within a fast-paced environment.
Position
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Protein Sciences to lead and scale our protein expression and purification operations. This leadership role will drive the strategy and execution of protein generation critical to innovating on Septerna’s Native Complex Platform and supporting drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in molecular biology, cell culture systems, automated protein purification and characterization, and proven leadership and team management skills.
Responsibilities
Collaborate cross-functionally with structural biology, molecular pharmacology, biophysics and drug discovery to align protein generation priorities with corporate objectives. Oversee protein expression platforms and purification processes and implement state-of-the-art analytical qualification approaches on the Native Complex. Develop familiarity with GPCR protein biochemistry and molecular pharmacology to advance Septerna’s Platform. Implement automation capabilities to expand Septerna’s protein production capabilities. Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of scientists and research associates. Manage budgets, vendor/CRO relationships, and technology transfers as necessary. Ensure rigorous documentation of protocols, batch records, and SOPs.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, or a related field with 10+ years of industry experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role. Proven track record in leading protein sciences teams in biotech or pharma and familiarity with the drug discovery process. Expertise in recombinant protein expression systems (mammalian, insect cell and bacterial), purification strategies, and analytical characterization methods. Extensive experience with purification and characterization of membrane proteins, particularly GPCRs, using detergents, nanodiscs, amphipols, and other stabilization technologies. Strong knowledge of affinity, ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography, including hands-on experience with AKTA systems. Proficiency in optimizing protein yield, homogeneity, and stability for downstream applications such as structural biology, biophysical assays, HTS, affinity selections and other pharmacological assays. Experience with diverse approaches (display, computational design, etc) to identify high affinity binding partners to GPCR proteins. Exceptional communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing scientific teams. Capable of setting clear goals, developing robust workflows, and driving scientific excellence. Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of how protein sciences integrates with our drug discovery activities.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range for candidates working in South San Francisco, CA is $220,000 - $245,000. Individual pay may vary based on factors including skills, experience, location, and education. Septerna's compensation package also includes benefits, stock options, and an annual target bonus for full-time positions.
Equal Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
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Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA focused on developing life-changing medicines. Our Native Complex Platform recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context, enabling access to modern structural and screening technologies for GPCR-focused drug discovery. Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted small molecule programs with potential to target previously undruggable and underexplored GPCRs. We are expanding our multidisciplinary team to address unmet patient needs. We value diversity of thought, expertise, and background through collaboration. Join a team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals who share a fearless pursuit of ground-breaking innovations and an environment that supports learning and teamwork. This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to preclinical research and move therapies toward the clinic by applying your passion, unique talents, and expertise within a fast-paced environment.
Position
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Protein Sciences to lead and scale our protein expression and purification operations. This leadership role will drive the strategy and execution of protein generation critical to innovating on Septerna’s Native Complex Platform and supporting drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in molecular biology, cell culture systems, automated protein purification and characterization, and proven leadership and team management skills.
Responsibilities
Collaborate cross-functionally with structural biology, molecular pharmacology, biophysics and drug discovery to align protein generation priorities with corporate objectives. Oversee protein expression platforms and purification processes and implement state-of-the-art analytical qualification approaches on the Native Complex. Develop familiarity with GPCR protein biochemistry and molecular pharmacology to advance Septerna’s Platform. Implement automation capabilities to expand Septerna’s protein production capabilities. Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of scientists and research associates. Manage budgets, vendor/CRO relationships, and technology transfers as necessary. Ensure rigorous documentation of protocols, batch records, and SOPs.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, or a related field with 10+ years of industry experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role. Proven track record in leading protein sciences teams in biotech or pharma and familiarity with the drug discovery process. Expertise in recombinant protein expression systems (mammalian, insect cell and bacterial), purification strategies, and analytical characterization methods. Extensive experience with purification and characterization of membrane proteins, particularly GPCRs, using detergents, nanodiscs, amphipols, and other stabilization technologies. Strong knowledge of affinity, ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography, including hands-on experience with AKTA systems. Proficiency in optimizing protein yield, homogeneity, and stability for downstream applications such as structural biology, biophysical assays, HTS, affinity selections and other pharmacological assays. Experience with diverse approaches (display, computational design, etc) to identify high affinity binding partners to GPCR proteins. Exceptional communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing scientific teams. Capable of setting clear goals, developing robust workflows, and driving scientific excellence. Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of how protein sciences integrates with our drug discovery activities.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range for candidates working in South San Francisco, CA is $220,000 - $245,000. Individual pay may vary based on factors including skills, experience, location, and education. Septerna's compensation package also includes benefits, stock options, and an annual target bonus for full-time positions.
Equal Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
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