Scientist, Discovery Science

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The role of Scientist of Discovery Science will report to the Senior Scientist/Senior Lab Manager in close collaboration with the Chief Scientific Officer and the rest of the Discovery Team, and work towards the successful execution of preclinical development programs. As a scientist, you will play a central role in turning foundational CIN biology into new medicines. You will design, execute, and interpret rigorous experiments that validate targets, elucidate mechanism of action, and accelerate progression from hit/lead to in vivo proof‑of‑concept.

This is a bench‑forward position for a creative, self‑directed experimentalist who thrives in a fast‑moving biotech setting and loves collaborating across chemistry, biochemistry, DMPK, in vivo pharmacology, and computational biology.

Volastra is a fast-paced biotech company of passionate employees, and there is ample opportunity for the ideal candidate to grow and develop with the organization. Individuals will have, from time to time, the opportunity to gain experience with projects outside their direct scope of work. Job is based in NYC and requires a minimum of 80% in office time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in key discovery workstreams from target validation through early pharmacology; design clear, decision‑driving experimental plans and timelines.

Interrogate mechanism using genetic perturbation (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi), rescue, pathway mapping, and combination studies aligned with CIN biology.

Develop and optimize cellular assays to quantify phenotype and mechanism.

Build translationally relevant target‑engagement and PD assays to enable SAR and inform dose/PK–PD modeling for in vivo studies. 

Track record of successfully managing external projects with CRO’s from scoping to final data delivery

Work effectively with colleagues across the team to participate in adjacent discovery-related efforts

Provide clear updates to Discovery, Preclinical, and Leadership; write technical reports, support patent filings, and prepare data packages for milestones.

REQUIREMENTS:

PhD in Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology or related field (or MS/BS with commensurate depth of industry experience).

5+ years of hands-on lab experience with a range of relevant research techniques including cell-based assays and molecular biology.  

In vivo mouse experience is strongly preferred• Understanding of the drug development process from target identification to marketing authorization is strongly encouraged• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills• Ability to collaborate well with team members

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Direct experience in CIN‑relevant biology (mitosis, microtubules/kinetochore function, replication stress, DNA‑damage response) or image‑based phenotyping• In vivo oncology familiarity (xenograft/PDX syngeneic models), PK/PD thinking, and translational biomarker awareness for discovery‑to‑development continuity.

Salary Range:

Approximately $130,000 - $150,000 which may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and ultimate leveling. Leveling outside of that stated may be considered for exceptional candidates on a case-by-case basis.