Biochemist, Receptor Discovery

Job Description

NextCure is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company located in Beltsville, MD, and focuses on the discovery and development of novel immunomedicines for the treatment of cancer and other immune-related diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with a strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology to join our Discovery Research team. NextCure employs multiple function-based screening approaches, termed Functional, Integrated NextCure Discovery for Immuno-Oncology (FIND-IOTM). We are actively developing screening platforms to target additional disease indications. Our goal is to identify novel, first-in-class therapeutic targets. A successful candidate will identify and validate protein-protein interactions to characterize ligand/receptor pairs responsible for mediating intercellular interactions identified by our functional screens. The selected candidate will work in a highly dynamic, proactive, multidisciplinary environment with the goal of rapidly moving novel biological immunomedicines toward the clinic.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and perform novel assays to isolate and characterize ligand/receptor pairs and protein complexes in the plasma membrane and extracellular space

• Develop biochemical techniques and identify and compare platforms to facilitate receptor discovery

• Draft research workplans on a target by target basis

• Coordinate with other members of the NextCure team to validate the role of identified protein-pairs in

  mediating functional intercellular communications

• Manage external collaborations with CROs and academic partners to compliment internal resources and

  to complete objectives in a timely fashion

• Coordinate tasks across multiple projects and prioritize as appropriate

• Communicate scientific results and conclusions in written reports and oral presentations

  Required education and experience

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field

• Postdoctoral experience preferred

• Scientist level and compensation will be commensurate with level of overall experience

  Qualifications

• Extensive experience in biochemical and protein chemistry techniques (e.g. protein pull-down and crosslinking, chromatography and gel electrophoresis, ForteBio Octet or SPR, SEC-MALS, LC/MS, protein stability assays)

• Hands-on experience with protein pull-down techniques

• Experience with collecting and interpreting mass spectrometry-based proteomics data

• Demonstrated ability to independently investigate, compare, and incorporate new techniques and

  equipment

• Outstanding project management, organizational and multi-tasking skills

• Strong interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills, and ability to work in matrix team

  environment

• Strong publication record

  NextCure is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package in a scientifically engaged teamwork environment. Qualified candidates should email their resume to info@nextcure.com