Research Biologist

COMPANY:

At BioCryst, we share a deep commitment to improving the lives of people living with complement-mediated and other rare diseases. For over three decades we've been guided by our passion for not settling for "ordinary" in our quest to develop novel medicines. We leverage our expertise in structure-guided drug design to develop first-in-class or best-in-class oral small-molecule and protein therapeutics, led by the efforts of our team of expert scientists in our Discovery Center of Excellence in Birmingham, Alabama. Our global headquarters is in Durham, North Carolina, our European headquarters is in Dublin, Ireland and our employees span the globe across sites in multiple countries. We are proud of our culture of engagement and accountability that rewards people for innovative thinking and achievement of key objectives. For more information, please visit our website at www.biocryst.com or follow uson LinkedIn and Instagram.

JOB SUMMARY:

Coordinate, and administer planning, research, and development of new and existing processes, ideologies, and programs for the continued support of the preclinical and discovery departments. Conduct and collaborate with other departments within the company as well as consults with outside contract organizations on research and development projects relevant to long term objectives and concerns of the company. Develop strategies to ensure effective achievement of scientific goals. Monitor and evaluate assigned personnel for tasks and projects within the preclinical department. Assists Executive Director in developing department budget and administering capital expenditures and support personnel. Responsible for the BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Biology lab/tissue culture lab.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, validate, and conduct in vitro biological and immunological assays for the pharmacological characterization of new small molecule drug candidates for multiple research programs. Screen compounds in single concentration and concentration-response schemes, analyze and report data.
• Design and conduct in vivo studies for evaluating new drug candidates and current investigational drugs for efficacy in disease models and pharmacokinetics in rodents
• Conduct cell-based assays to enable drug discovery efforts. Conduct cell-based to measure the functional consequences of inhibition of diverse targets, including signaling pathways, enzyme activities, and protein and mRNA levels; assays include ELISA, Western blot analysis, real time PCR, etc.
• Participates in technology development in biology. Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
• Directs and maintains Biosafety Containment II Area within the tissue culture facility.
• Conducts non-GLP pilot studies and prepare reports for potential drug candidates.
• Assists director in Protocol development and related reports for preclinical studies.
• Implements procedures for monitoring projects in house and with contract facilities to inform management of current project status.
• Establishes collaboration and communication cross-functionally with Chemistry, Bioanalytical, Biology, and Drug Development groups to ensure appropriate guidelines and procedures are adhered to maintain and facilitate the completion of company goals and objectives.
• All other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in immunology, biochemistry, or pharmacology with a proven track record of publication. Scientists with industrial experience are welcome to apply.
• In-depth knowledge and working experience in immunology, drug development, molecular biology, protein chemistry, and cell biology.
• Preferable to have hands-on experience with rodent animal model establishment and drug related studies.
• Effective problem-solving and interpersonal skills with independent thinking and trouble shooting ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate at all levels within the organization.
• Demonstrate leadership, organizational and project management skills with flexibility in working with organizations and/or partners with different cultures, values, mindsets, and approaches.
• Detailed-oriented with meticulous oversight, coordination, and tracking abilities.
• Ability to work independently under limited supervision.
• Ability to invest time, as required, and expedites and/or completes assignments whenever necessary to meet corporate objectives.
• Ability to work in a challenging environment with frequent interruptions, changing priorities and deadlines, willingness to take on difficulty tasks with can-do altitude.
• Must be able to lift 10 to 15 lbs (tanks, solutions, etc).

The statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The manager may assign additional responsibilities and assignments from time to time.

BioCryst is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, Veterans status, disability and/or other protected class characteristics. Additionally, BioCryst is committed to achieving its business objectives in compliance with all federal, state and local law.