Scientist

Job description

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Sculpta is pioneering Protein Sculpting therapeutics that change the structure and function ofdisease-causing proteins in the brain using splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides. Our mission is to translate this cutting-edge biology into first-in-class treatments to devastating neurological disorders. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious startup on the ground floor and make a difference from Day 1. As a bench scientist you’ll work with a dedicated team to design and drive the mechanistic studies that validate our platform and move our highly differentiated and promising asset programs to IND. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are motivated by the urgency of improving human brain health, we want you on our team.

Who we are.

Backed by an oversubscribed pre-seed round from a syndicate of 6 biotech VCs, we opened doors this year at MBC BioLabs at 135 Mississippi Street in San Francisco. Our team blends deep expertise in RNA biology, brain organoids, single-cell transcriptomics and computational biology. We are led by a board-certified physician-scientist with two decades of experience leading ambitious and highly impactful work (ex-Stanford faculty; publications in Nature , Cell , Science, etc. ).

What you’ll do:

Design & execute studies on in vitro target biology, mechanism of action, and RNA and protein isoform modulation with antisense oligonucleotides

Use a process engineering mindset to develop robust assays with a focus on reproducibility, reliability, and scalability

Collaborate with computational and stem cell experts to convert transcriptomic insights into bench strategy.

Real ownership. You’ll lead programs, contribute to strategic decisions, and run experiments end-to-end.

Own data integrity —rigorous documentation and clear communication.

You will thrive when you …

Identify the most important “next” experiment among many possibilities through strong scientific intuition and feedback from other team members

Learn new areas of biology and techniques rapidly and can anticipate challenges and strategic pitfalls

Anticipate the most important experimental controls that enable you to get the most out of every experimental cycle

Combine RNA, molecular biology and human genetics expertise to critically assess target biology

Enjoy working with people as motivated and invested as you are

Must-have skills:

PhD plus >2 yrs (post-doc or industry) in molecular biology / assay development (or equivalent)

Proficiency in cell culture, RNA & protein extraction, cDNA/qPCR/RT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, high throughput-format experimental design, liquid handlers

Strong record-keeping and data analysis

Are energized by fast-paced, mission-driven work and take pride in building systems that others can rely on

Bonus : experience with antisense oligos, RNA biology, single-cell RNA-seq, neurodegenerative models, an understanding of new drug target selection, IND-enabling studies.

Why Sculpta?

Rigorous, cross-disciplinary science at the frontier of RNA therapeutics, which is an area growing in investment dollars and clinical translation success

Supportive environment : clear communication, mutual respect, shared ambition, invested in your career development.

Resourced : In the face of a challenging biotech funding environment, we raised more than anticipated to achieve our milestones. We utilize outside services (e.g. purchasing) so that you maintain focus on critical experiments.

Strong leadership : Our CEO makes decisions rapidly and transparently and follows through on commitments and strategic moves.

Competitive package : Scientist I/II title, $100–140K salary, equity at the “pre-seed” stage with immense upside potential, full medical/dental/vision (~100% employee premiums, 50% dependents)

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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Worksite address

san francisco, CA, 94199, US

Who can apply

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