Description

Musculoskeletal Therapeutic Area In Vivo Scientist I

About the job

Who We Are
For more than two decades, going our own way has led to countless breakthroughs, bettering the lives of those suffering from rare genetic disease. In 1997 we were founded to make a big difference in small patient populations. Now we seek to make an even greater impact by applying the same science-driven, patient-forward approach that propelled our last 25 years of drug development to larger genetic disorders, as well as genetic subsets of more common conditions. Through our unparalleled expertise in genetics, drug discovery and development, we will continue to develop targeted therapies that address the root cause of the conditions we seek to treat. Applying our knowledge to make a transformative impact is not just a calling, but an obligation to those who will benefit most. The end goal has always been better lives and now we can reach more people in need.

Our Culture
Our desire to make a positive impact on our patients extends to our employees and BioMarin is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every person feels seen, valued, and heard – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. We seek to provide an open, flexible, and friendly work environment to empower people and to provide them with the ability to develop their long-term careers. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where people enjoy coming to work and take pride in our efforts to help patients.

BioMarin’s Research & Development group is responsible for everything from research and discovery to post-market clinical development. Research & Development involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class or best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients. Come join our team and make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

The Job Opening
We are seeking a motivated Scientist I with experience in skeletal biology and disease to join our team.  The Scientists will join the MSK in vivo team to design and execute key in vivo studies focused on developing therapeutics to transform the lives of people with musculoskeletal diseases. This role reports into the Musculoskeletal Therapeutic Area In Vivo Lead. 

The primary role of the Scientist will be in the design and execution of in vivo studies as part of the musculoskeletal in vivo team.  They will work collaboratively across the Research and Early Development Department to identify, develop and execute project strategies for in vivo testing of novel therapeutics.  Areas of focus will span from research into the biology of C-natriuretic peptide to novel therapeutic approaches to skeletal and muscular diseases.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in skeletal biology, with demonstrated experience in the use of model systems in research. Experience with in vivo models of disease and a collaborative mindset is critical.  Experience with muscular biology and disease is desirable.  While some industry experience is a plus, it is not required.

The successful candidate will contribute in vivo model evaluation and support to project teams that support the project goals.  Including in vivo study design, hands on in vivo study performance, selection and characterization of animal models, as well as application of in vivo methods and techniques. Strong written communication skills are critical for FDA filings, writing IACUC protocols, communicating scientific strategy, monitoring in vivo studies and collaborating with CRO’s, tissue collection, and sample management.  The successful candidate will also have experience with in vivo musculoskeletal technical tasks including but not limited to dosing techniques (IM, IP, IV, SC, PO), plethysmography, gait analysis, Computerized Tomography, Multiphoton microscopy, and IVIS imaging.

The ideal candidate will have Postdoctoral Academic or Biotech/Pharma industry in vivo experience in the skeletal biology/disease field. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with animal models of skeletal disease, a proven track record of high-quality science, and excellent communication skills.  Additionally, proficiency with in vivo methods such as administration of test articles, perfusion and tissue collection, blood collection, as well as rodent surgical models is required. Candidate level at hire will depend on education and experience.

Responsibilities:
 

Support Research Programs:

• Conduct research on genetic skeletal diseases
• Contribute to novel therapeutic programs based on innovative, ground-breaking discoveries that could lead to new, high-impact opportunities for patients
• Perform research and publish findings in high-impact journals and present research at major conferences
• Effectively partner with other scientists and the Research and Early Development team to develop and execute on the program’s strategic plan
• Present program data at a range of internal forums, including project team meetings, Research Department Seminars and Research leadership governance forums
• Write, review and contribute to study synopses, protocols, study reports and regulatory documents
• Collaborate with various BioMarin functions, CROs, university or analytical laboratories, business partners, as necessary to ensure appropriate/timely progression of projects
• Participate in multi-disciplinary drug development teams and may lead sub-teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to build/foster productive cross-functional collaborations both within and external to BioMarin
• Execute hands-on responsibilities including, but not limited to animal handling and restraint (rodents), administration via various routes of administration, including intravenous (tail-vein), in-life animal health monitoring and measurements, clinical observations, sample collection and processing, and accurate data collection. In addition, providing daily care and monitoring of mice or rats, including health checks and documentation, will also be required.
• Follow all institutional, local, and federal regulations regarding animal care and use. Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment. Maintain detailed and accurate records of all procedures and animal health status including adverse study events. Meticulous electronic lab notebook documentation.
• Communicate experimental plans and results to the project team. Support product development and regulatory filings for pivotal clinical studies.
• Follow instructions and work independently to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to ensure all assignments are completed on or before deadlines.
• Share your knowledge and understanding with other team members
• Document experimental methods and outcomes using Electronic Lab Notebooks and generation/maintenance of technical procedure documents and SOPs.
• Willingness to work on site full time including off hours and weekends based on study needs.
• Other duties as assigned

General requirements for the position:

• Demonstrated experience in skeletal biology/disease or muscular biology/disease research in academia or industry (preferred) including publication record
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong understanding of genetically engineered models, breeding, and management and Gene therapy modalities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Passion for contributing your scientific skills to develop therapies for patients in need
• Must be able to utilize computer databases for analysis, data entry, and point of care observations
• Must be able to work under time constraints with minimal direction of day-to-day responsibilities, including collaboratively working with multidisciplinary teams
• Must be able to work with external regulatory agencies and accreditation groups
• Some “off-core business hours” work required
• Complete all company training requirements
• Perform all work per designated safety standards and comply with Personal Protective Equipment requirements and occupational health to perform work tasks
• This position is an on-site critical required position
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience Requirements: 

• PhD in a related subject area with demonstrated research experience in skeletal biology
• Postdoctoral or previous industry experience (0-2 yrs) in skeletal biology
• Extensive hands-on experience with rodent in vivo work in the musculoskeletal field

This position is full-time on-site and based in Petaluma, CA with occasional work on site in San Rafael, CA.