Scientist / Senior Scientist, In vitro Pharmacologist

Galecto, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to the development of novel small molecule therapeutics directed at biological targets which are at the heart of fibrosis and cancer. It has recently completed a successful IPO on Nasdaq US and raised more than $150 million in 2020 to accelerate development of its clinical pipeline and support preparations for potential EU conditional approval of GB0139 in IPF and multiple new Phase 2 clinical trials.

Galecto was founded by leading fibrosis-focused scientists and biotech executives and is built on more than 10 years of research into galectin and fibrosis modulators. Our team has developed a deep understanding of the galectin family of proteins and the LOXL2 enzyme, and how both influence multiple biological pathways of these complex, often devastating, diseases.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Based in Hertfordshire, UK, with potential travel across the EU and to the United States, working closely with colleagues within Medicinal Chemistry, Nonclinical, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, the Scientist/Senior Scientist in in vitro pharmacology will have specific responsibility for:

• Development, optimization and validation of in vitro methods and models of target mechanisms in fibrotic diseases and oncology for delivery of data to drive SAR for early-stage projects and mechanistic studies for lead optimization and candidate selection
• Maintenance of cell lines and primary healthy and disease cells to support functional assays
• Performance of low or medium throughput binding and functional assays including SPR, HTRF, flow cytometry and ELISAs
• Design, implementation and analysis of bespoke experiments to answer specific project related questions
• Data analysis, record keeping and reporting of results in lab notebooks, nonclinical reports and corporate databases to agreed timelines
• Oral presentations of results at project and company meetings
• Maintaining an awareness of relevant literature 

QUALIFICATONS

Education

• Minimum of a BSc in pharmacology or similar bioscience with scientific background and experience in drug discovery (+3 years) within target validation and lead optimization functions

Skills & Experience

• Theoretical knowledge of drug/target interactions and application to the early stage drug-discovery process
• Ability to trouble shoot assays and interpret complex data
• Expertise in pharmacological characterization of test compounds in protein and cell assays
• Previous experience in the fibrosis or oncology therapeutic areas is preferred
• Previous experience with clinical biomarker assay development is preferred but not essential
• Previous experience with galectin or enzyme drug discovery is preferred but not essential

As the preclinical area within Galecto expands, we are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Scientist/Senior Scientist level in vitro pharmacologist/cell biologist to help drive the drug discovery projects at our new laboratory facilities within the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. This challenging position will be central to the set-up and running of our new laboratory facilities within the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst as well as a key contribution to the preclinical drug discovery for all our exciting and fast paced projects in collaboration with dedicated and inspiring colleagues – all with comprehensive experience from their respective fields. This role offers the unique opportunity to be part of, and obtain experience in, the drug discovery process from preclinical through to the clinical phases at a dynamic and biotech company. The position reports to the Director of Pharmacology.

 

Profile

• Highly motivated
• Proactive and driven
• Non-hierarchical
• An open communicator and influencer

 Galecto Offers

A competitive salary package including annual bonus.

Place of work will be our Stevenage office/laboratories in the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

Application

Please submit your application and CV in English marked “Scientist/Senior Scientist, In vitro Pharmacologist” to info@galecto.com.

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than January 29, 2021.