Staff Scientist

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Trace Biosciences is a biotech startup creating imaging agents for surgery. We are well funded through non-dilutive grants (SBIR, STTR + regional government) as well as venture capital investments. Founded in 2019 we are now developing our first products that will enter clinical trials in 2023.

Our mission is to revolutionize surgery by highlighting detailed anatomy in real-time. Our first product is a nerve targeting imaging agent that will prevent surgical nerve damage.  

If we can successfully develop this, our imaging agents will be used in almost all operating theaters, enable true precision surgery, and vastly improve patient outcomes.

We are seeking to recruit talented individuals who are excited to join our team in Portland to help develop our technology and grow the company.

You will own and shape the development of the imaging agents currently under development, alongside e a future pipeline of high-impact targeted imaging agents for surgery and related research and development. This role offers applicants the opportunity to join one of the fastest growing biotech startups in the Northwest as a key first-hire. You will be part of the leadership team and steer the growth of the company and its culture.

•  Lead all research and development efforts including novel imaging agent synthesis, testing, clinical translation, and product development.
• Plan, design, and synthesize novel small molecule fluorescent contrast agents for surgical guidance.
• Complete purification and physiochemical analysis of synthesized agents.
• Collaborate with biology teams and complete proof-of-concept screening studies.
• Communicate with the multidisciplinary team on progress and plan upcoming projects.
• Create clear research and development goals and design technical development plans to achieve them. Allocate tasks to direct reports including scientists, product managers, and technicians.
• Coordinate scaling studies and synthesis for clinical translation including managing CMOs and CROs to deliver on time, cost, and performance targets. 
• Generate valuable intellectual property to drive product development and clinical translation.
• Oversee clinical development programs including management of regulatory compliance, clinical trial design and execution, and communication with the FDA.
• Drive the continued drug development process and help steer the overall company strategy.

• A proactive team player with exceptional leadership qualities. You are able to build a team, create alignment on objectives and provide the support needed of your team members.
• Resourceful, independent and self-motivated with a hands-on attitude.
• Able to complete honest self-evaluation of progress towards objectives. You can give and receive candid feedback in a constructive and positive manner.
• Willing to adopt, engage with and shape company culture.
• Excited to grow with a small starting team and collaborate on all company tasks.
• Outstanding in written and verbal communication and collaboration skills. You are able to articulate ideas clearly and present on behalf of the company.
• 5 years or more of biotech research or drug development experience.
• Highly experienced in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Proficient in small molecule purification and physiochemical analysis including column chromatography, HPLC, LCMS, spectrophotometry, and NMR.
• Industry experience working on multi-disciplinary drug development programs preferred.
• Prior experience with medicinal chemistry preferred.
• Prior experience with clinical drug development preferred.
• Experience with in vitro and small animal in vivo models is beneficial.
• Prior experience with surgical technologies or imaging agents preferred.
• Experience writing grant applications or other technical writing preferred.
• Experience with FDA regulatory processes for NDA approval preferred.

We are well funded and rapidly growing biotech company based in Portland, OR. We offer competitive pay, company equity, and excellent healthcare benefits for these positions.

Trace Biosciences is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.

To learn more about the original proof of concept that spawned our launch see: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.aay0712

If you want to join a fast-growing innovative biotech company and revolutionize surgery using the power of imaging, send your CV and a short cover letter to info@trace-bio.com. Look forward to hearing from you.