Careers

Join a team of inspired drug hunters

Looking for the next step up in your career? Vesigen is on a mission to uncover new opportunities across a vast therapeutic landscape made possible by ARMMs technology.

Work at the forefront

At Vesigen, you’ll join a rapidly growing biotech company at the forefront of discovery. We are a collective of inspired drug hunters committed to creating solutions to current challenges in drug development.

We value scientific curiosity and teamwork from start to finish. If you share these attributes and you’re ready for the challenge of your career, we’d like to hear from you.

Current opportunities

Open Positions

VP, Biology and Drug Discovery

Vesigen Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing groundbreaking therapeutic products using a unique and fusogenic extracellular vesicle delivery technology directed to intracellular targets. Our ARMMs technology (ARRDC1 Mediated Microvesicles), delivers payloads, including RNAs, proteins, and editing complexes directly into the cytoplasm of target cells. Our team of seasoned drug hunters is committed to leveraging the novel ARMMs technology to develop transformative medicines and address currently unmet medical needs.

Responsibilities

Work closely with executive management team to prioritize and advance preclinical drug development programs from concept through IND submission
Articulate vision, strategy and performance metrics for platform and drug discovery arms at Vesigen
Manage all ARMMs engineering and drug discovery functions to develop existing programs, establish go/no-go decision points, introduce new programs, and to identify new opportunities to expand scope of current programs
Lead scientific activities with strong attention to rigor and differentiation to permit advancing drug candidates as first-in-class/best-in-class therapies for diseases with unmet need
Track literature and identify opportunities to introduce new design strategies and/or applications for ARMMs
Implement and help inform intellectual property strategy, working closely with executive management and IP teams
Work with CROs, academic collaborators, and other biotech/pharma companies
Assist in projecting resources and financial budgets to support discovery programs from the exploratory stage through the development stage to clinical

Qualifications

PhD/MD with strong background in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or related field
10+ years of experience in drug discovery, platform development, or combination thereof in biotech or pharma
Proven track record leading teams in platform development and/or drug discovery settings – experience with viral and/or non-viral delivery and/or platform builds desirable
Demonstrated expertise and track record in drug discovery in a range of therapeutic areas, ideally from conceptualization through lead optimization and candidate selection
Track record of excellence and scientific expertise as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications
High level of rigor and attention to detail, and ability to think out of the box and innovate
Strong leadership, communication skills, and ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced environment

Vesigen Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Sci II/Senior Scientist, ARMMs Engineering

Vesigen Inc., is a biotechnology company developing transformative therapies using a unique extracellular vesicle delivery technology. Our ARMMs (ARRDC1 Mediated Microvesicles) technology, delivers payloads, including proteins, genome editing machineries, and RNA molecules directly into the cytoplasm of target cells. Our team of seasoned drug hunters is committed to leveraging ARMMs to develop medicines and address currently unmet medical needs.

Vesigen is seeking a talented and highly motivated Scientist II/Sr Scientist to join our team and contribute to the development of the company’s exciting ARMMs technology across multiple disease areas. The ideal candidate will have an established background in molecular biology, vector design and optimization, membrane protein biology, and antibody engineering. This is an opportunity to innovate and impact preclinical drug discovery efforts in a dynamic biotech start-up environment.

Responsibilities:

Expression construct design and optimization to evaluate engineering of ARMMs intraluminal payloads and targeting moieties (eg, antibodies, receptor ligands, etc…), including other vesicle surface-associated modifications.
Custom design of vectors to enable rapid swapping of elements for optimization of transgene expression or to alter other elements, such as linkers.
Execute and oversee testing of constructs by transient transfection using approaches such as PEI, lipoplex, or electroporation

Develop appropriate assays to evaluate new constructs and strategies to modify various ARMMs properties.

Contribute to design of assays to support platform and discovery activities, as they relate to vector design, including appropriate evaluation of transgene expression, payloading/surface modification of ARMMs, and determination of particle potency.
Analyze and present experimental progress and results in team meetings.
Collaborate across research function and with process development team to enable transfer of knowhow and scale-up of engineered ARMMs production.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, virology or related life sciences field and 0-5 years of hands-on industry experience strongly preferred. B.S./M.S. with 10 or more years of relevant experience will also be considered for the role.
Excellent understanding of membrane protein structure and antibody engineering including scFv (single chain variable fragment) and nanobodies.
Previous experience in molecular mechanisms of virus-host interactions highly desirable
Extensive experience in molecular biology and with relevant online tools and software packages eg: SnapGene or similar software.
Experience with construct design, introduction into the model system/cell line, including transfection, transduction, and electroporation.
Strong background in cell-based assays and readouts by flow cytometry, qPCR, Western Blot, ELISA, and high-content imaging.
Experience in and/or commitment to training and mentoring junior team members
Ability to collaborate effectively within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Excellent organizational skills and record keeping.
Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to multitask with an evolving workload.
Motivated, self-starter with enthusiasm to learn and contribute.

Vesigen Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Scientist/Sr Scientist, Ocular Drug Discovery

Vesigen Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing groundbreaking therapeutics using a unique and fusogenic extracellular vesicle delivery technology directed to intracellular targets. Our ARMMs technology (ARRDC1 Mediated Microvesicles), delivers payloads, including RNAs, proteins, and editing complexes directly into the cytoplasm of target cells. Our team of seasoned drug hunters is committed to leveraging the novel ARMMs technology to develop transformative medicines and address currently unmet medical needs in ophthalmology. Vesigen is seeking an analytical and highly motivated Scientist to join our Ocular and CNS Drug Discovery team to help drive ophthalmology-centric preclinical programs with the company’s ARMMs technology. The candidate will play a significant role in the entire spectrum of the drug discovery process including ideation, target identification & validation, and disease-related biomarkers.

Responsibilities

· Expand, strengthen, and fine-tune our current ocular biodistribution datasets in diverse in vivo models using multiple routes-of-administration and payloads/modalities. You will conduct routine subretinal/intravitreal surgeries in rodents on-site and manage CROs for specialized surgeries in large animal models.

· Conceptualize, design, and execute experiments independently.

· Maintain accurate experimental records and study reports. Ensure that discovery work and data collection are conducted with utmost attention to quality and ethical standards and, in compliance with regulatory and QC guidelines.

· Routinely implement histology, non-invasive diagnostics, electrophysiology, and behavior assays to assess ocular biodistribution, toxicological outcomes, and efficacy.

· Work closely with colleagues in biology, computational biology, and therapeutic discovery group for design and screening of ARMMs for ocular drug candidates. You will be part of a group effort and help select appropriate assays, and in vitro, ex vivo & in vivo screening criteria. You will participate in the screening campaigns and importantly, help generate high-confidence data that are substantiated by in vivo findings.

· Facilitate and maintain relationships with CROs, external academic groups, and scientific and key opinion leaders. Coordinate study design and execution, manage timelines, and data quality control. Analyze and present findings to various stakeholders.

· Present research findings to the Vesigen Leadership and various stakeholders

· Attend scientific and industry conferences to engage the broader scientific community.

Qualifications

· Ph.D. in Ophthalmology/Neuroscience/Neurobiology with relevant surgical experience or a Ph.D. with 2+ years of relevant experience in industry or academia.

· Deep expertise and understanding of degenerative pathophysiology, animal models, and an experience in using these animal models to assess therapeutic outcomes.

· Experience in conducting in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro experiments – in ophthalmology using intravitreal and subretinal routes of administration.

· Ability to conduct in vivo studies using rodent model systems. An ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of comparative ocular anatomy, pathophysiology, proficiency and independence in the laboratory, experience in ocular drug delivery, small animal surgical skills in ophthalmology, and a proven ability to complete ocular drug discovery projects.

· Proficiency in histology (including sections and flatmount preparations of the retina and the RPE), immunohistochemistry, and cell culture is expected. Hands-on experience with confocal imaging, quantitative image analysis, and quantitative RNA in situ hybridization is highly desirable but not an absolute must.

· Demonstratable experience of working independently as well as a member of the team on scientific projects.

· Excellent communication and organizational skills.

· Ability to quickly learn and pivot as guided by data. Candidates with a strong background in CNS drug delivery and discovery, surgery, and an understanding of retinal anatomy & physiology are welcome to apply.

Vesigen Therapeutics is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

RA I/II Drug Discovery

Vesigen Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing groundbreaking therapeutic products using a unique extracellular vesicle delivery technology directed to intracellular targets. Our ARMMs technology (ARRDC1 Mediated Microvesicles), delivers payloads, including RNAs, proteins, and editing complexes directly into the cytoplasm of target cells. Our team of seasoned drug hunters is committed to leveraging the novel ARMMs technology to develop transformative medicines and address currently unmet medical needs.

Vesigen is seeking a creative and highly motivated Research Associate I/II to join our team to help advance the company’s exciting ARMMs technology through preclinical in vivo studies in Drug Discovery. The candidate will be an integral member of the R&D team, with opportunities to learn and contribute and develop preclinical programs across several therapeutic areas. Candidates with Ocular and/or Neuroscience experience are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

· Perform preclinical Pharmacology and Toxicological studies in rodents. Tasks includes assistance with drug administration via multiple routes (systemic, ocular or CNS), blood and tissue collection.

· Histology: Perform tissue collection, processing and preparation for histology studies including paraffin and cryosectioning, whole mount preparation and staining.

· Perform immunohistochemistry, image acquisition and data analysis.

· Isolation and maintenance for primary cells from rodents for drug screening and assays.

· Responsible for working with the Ocular and CNS Drug Discovery team to design, implement, and follow study protocols.

· Assist with rodent colony management, husbandry, and record-keeping.

· Collect, codify, and present data findings to the internal R&D team.

· Additional related responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in biology, pharmacology, or related discipline or an Associate’s degree in Laboratory Animal Science/Technology or related science discipline with 2+ years of experience in animal handling, dosing, dissections and histology.

· Prior experience with histopathology and/or toxicology especially in industry setting is highly desirable.

· Proficiency in tissue collection, fixation and processing for histology (Cryosectioning and/or Paraffin). Hands-on experience with histology (sectioning and staining) is required.

· Adept in basic rodent techniques: whole-animal cardiac perfusions, blood collection via tail and/or submandibular vein, cardiac puncture; euthanasia, etc.

· Experience in dosing via ocular (subretinal, intravitreal, intracameral, suprachoroidal) or CNS (ICM, ICV, intraparenchymal, intrathecal) is highly desirable.

· Experience with tissue collection from PK studies and preparing samples for histological, biochemical and immunological assays.

· Experience with rodent colony management, including animal health checks, record keeping, etc.

· Experience with aseptic cell culture, isolation and maintenance of primary cells (especially from the eye or the CNS) is preferred, but not required.

· Prior experience with microscopy (fluorescence, confocal, slide scanner) is highly desirable.

· Well-organized, methodical, and ability to document experimental observations and results in a timely manner.

· Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to multitask with an evolving workload.

· Team player, ability to collaborate effectively within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

· Motivated, self-starter with enthusiasm to learn.

Downstream Process Development Associate

Vesigen Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing groundbreaking therapeutic products using a unique, fusogenic extracellular vesicle delivery technology directed to intracellular targets. Our ARMMs technology (ARRDC1 Mediated Microvesicles) delivers payloads, including RNAs, proteins, and editing complexes directly into the cytoplasm of target cells. Our team of seasoned drug hunters is committed to leveraging the novel ARMMs technology to develop transformative medicines and address currently unmet medical needs.

Vesigen is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Downstream PD Associate to join our team and contribute to the development and optimization of the company’s exciting ARMMs platform. The ideal candidate will have process development experience with an understanding of the production and quality control of biopharmaceuticals to enable drug discovery efforts.

Responsibilities:

Supports downstream process development for isolation of extracellular vesicles by various methodologies such as chromatography, tangential flow filtration, and ultracentrifugation.
Follows and optimizes SOPs to generate test articles for exploratory through preclinical studies.
Helps with characterization of new processes from concept to scale-up.
Analyzes extracellular vesicles by nanoparticle tracking analysis, protein assay, simple western/western blot, real-time/ddPCR, ELISA, and/or other methods as appropriate.
Plans and executes studies in coordination with manager and cross-functional teams.
Maintains complete records of activities.
Orders and stocks process-related supplies.

Required

BS/MS in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science, or related field (biology, biochemistry, etc.), with 2-4 years of applicable hands-on experience in an academic lab or industry
Training on preparative chromatography and/or tangential flow filtration
Good literacy in MS Office and Graphpad Prism or other statistical software

Preferred

Experience working in extracellular vesicle research or with instrumentation used to isolate or characterize other types of nanoparticles (i.e., virus-like particles or AAV).
Downstream bioprocessing experience working with or purifying cell/gene therapy products.
Hands-on experience or interest in running biochemical assays such as ELISA and western blotting, and with cell-based assays
Previous experience with formulation, cryopreservation, and evaluation of stability of biologics.

To apply, use the form below.

Don’t see anything that matches your experience? Contact us using the form.

The ARMMs technology presents a unique opportunity to transition innovative technologies into viable drug leads needed within the pharmaceutical industry and ultimately transform patient care.

Dieter Weinand
Board Member

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