Scientist I/II, Immunology

Piezo Therapeutics has an opening for a Scientist I/II, Immunology to play a key role in experimental studies to transform the delivery of nucleic acid medicines (mRNA, DNA) to enable improved safety, affordability, and scalability. This scientist position will be within the broader R&D team at Piezo, performing basic and translational research at the intersection of drug delivery and immunology to help advance Piezo’s novel delivery platform for nucleic acid vaccines and therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have a track record in publishing peer-reviewed publications demonstrating experience in immunology, drug delivery, and/or nucleic acid medicines.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and a brief response on why you would be a good fit for an innovative, early-stage, fast-paced, and high-growth startup like Piezo to: gaurav.byagathvalli@piezotx.com. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a preference for those that can start immediately.

About Piezo Therapeutics

At Piezo, we are using cutting-edge technology to deliver a broad range of nucleic acid-based therapeutics inside the body using electric pulses and microneedles. Our diverse team of experts in drug delivery and commercial translation is dedicated to advancing the intracellular delivery of next-generation nucleic acid medicines. We strive to improve the safety, affordability, and accessibility of these medicines globally.

Why Join Us

Piezo Therapeutics is growing, and we are hiring new team members who share our mission of transforming nucleic acid delivery, want to be challenged with responsibility, and engineer novel solutions on a daily basis. As a Scientist I/II, you will have the opportunity to work on critical discovery research using our proprietary platform and lead new initiatives and innovations. You will work with a passionate and innovative team in a fast-paced startup environment, where every day is a new learning experience and an opportunity to expand your technical and professional capabilities. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including stock options.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of Piezo’s platform to support delivery of RNA/DNA therapeutics (including vaccines) while collaborating with other team members in other functions including hardware design and business development.- Provide scientific direction for process development, optimization, and translation into clinical trials for delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.- Perform preclinical studies involving RNA and DNA delivery using Piezo’s platform via in vivo and in vitro procedures.- Characterize vaccine delivery by performing immunology assays such as ELISAs, ELISpots, and cytokine profiling.- Assist in third-party research collaborations/partnerships and CRO/CMO relationships. - Gather experimental data and provide regular research updates in the form of written reports and/or verbal presentations to senior leadership.- Operate in a highly innovative, fast-paced work environment driving cutting-edge research.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioengineering, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a similar discipline.- Candidates should have a strong background in immunology and/or drug delivery, such as evaluation of vaccine/therapeutic candidates or delivery of nucleic acid medicines.- Proficient in small animal handling techniques (with large cohorts), immunology assays, and tissue cultures.- Proficient in statistical analysis software such as GraphPad Prism and creation of highly detailed research presentations via Microsoft PowerPoint.- Proficient in basic molecular biology techniques such as Western Blotting, flow cytometry, gel electrophoresis, PCR, etc.- Experience with in vivo bioluminescent imaging will be considered a distinct advantage, but not required (we will provide training).- Experience with handling nucleic acids (such as RNA) is preferred while drug delivery of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics is a significant bonus.- Proven track record of scientific contributions such as peer-reviewed first-author publications and conference presentations.- Thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, and cross-disciplinary startup environment, demonstrating strong teamwork skills.- Uphold a high ethical standard with a steadfast commitment to animal welfare principles. - Self-motivated, reliable, and a dedicated team player with exceptional interpersonal skills. - Demonstrate strong organizational abilities, meticulous attention to detail, adept critical thinking, and multitasking proficiency.- Display desire and capacity to acquire new techniques and contribute to innovative projects within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.- Excellent skills in communication, organization, R&D, and collaboration.- Ability to work in-person in Atlanta, GA with up to 20% travel.

Located in Atlanta!

Atlanta is the hub in the South for those who want to accelerate their career while enjoying a high quality of life. Atlanta is home to some of the nation’s best restaurants, bars, concert halls, hiking trails, and more, allowing you to choose anything from escaping civilization to walking amongst Midtown’s hustle and bustle. Meanwhile, cost-of-living is well below major cities on the coasts, allowing you to get the perks of a major metropolitan area without paying the premiums. The Atlanta community is very welcoming and open; we pride ourselves on our Southern Hospitality.

Piezo Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered without regard for race, color, religion, nationality, sex, physical or mental disability, age, or protected veteran status.