Senior / Principal Cell Biologist
Anavo Therapeutics is the first company to systematically drug phosphatases, a rich target space previously considered undruggable. We have attracted world-leading scientific expertise in phosphatase-driven disease biology and drug discovery to unlock the full potential of phosphatase-targeted allosteric modulators. Building on its platform, Anavo is developing multiple first-in-class therapeutic programs in autoimmune diseases, oncology, and metabolism, and will continue to expand into new indications through partnerships around its discovery engine. Anavo is led by an experienced management Team and backed by blue-chip investors M Ventures, INKEF Capital, Taiho Ventures, Bioqube Ventures and MRL Ventures Fund. The company's research is based at our laboratories in the Heidelberg BioLabs in Germany, with part of our leadership team based in Boston, US. For more information, please visit: https://www.anavotx.com/
About the role:
For our research facility in the Heidelberg BioLabs, we are seeking to hire a Senior or Principal Cell Biologist to lead cellular screening and support mechanism-of-action studies across Anavo’s portfolio targeting autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer. You will play a central role in multiple cross-functional small molecule drug discovery programs, with the opportunity to drive program strategy. To be successful, you should be an independent, critical thinker with a proven ability to design, develop, and validate screening assays to advance preclinical programs toward development candidate status and into IND-enabling studies.
Your responsibilities:
· Develop cell-based profiling strategies and assays for multiple small molecule drug discovery programs using state-of-the-art technologies
· Integrate cellular screening with chemistry and biochemistry in cross-functional programs
· Establish and validate assays, and supervise their execution and reporting
· Contribute to the design and execution of target validation and mechanism of action studies
· Play an active role in shaping the biology strategy of drug discovery programs
· Manage projects with CROs and coordinate external collaborations
· Stay up to date with literature relevant to Anavo’s target pipeline
Your skills and qualifications:
· PhD or postdoctoral-level education, with a strong background in immunology, metabolism, or cancer cell biology and signaling pathways
· 3-5 years of drug discovery experience with small molecule inhibitors and/or degraders in pharma or biotech
· Expertise in the development of preclinical screening assays to evaluate target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy
· Skilled in mechanism of action studies using genetic manipulation and inhibitors
· Hands-on experience working with primary cells, co-cultures, or organoids preferred
· Experience managing staff and projects
· Self-motivated, independent critical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills
· Good communicator who can present work effectively across different forums
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as an integral part of the Anavo team
· Well organized, with the ability to run multiple projects in parallel and meet deadlines
We offer a competitive salary in a stimulating environment with the possibility to grow as the company develops.
For further information, please contact:
Mario Niepel, PhD
SVP Translational Sciences