Job Description

Position Summary

Simcere is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Scientist/Senior Scientist to join our Target Discovery Group. In this role, you will have a specific focus on fibroblast cell biology to uncover and validate novel therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases—especially in areas such as rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Your work will directly shape our future pipeline and involve cross-functional collaborations, from early-stage drug discovery through IND submission.

Key Responsibilities

• Fibroblast Biology & Disease Modeling
• Develop and execute cutting-edge experiments focused on fibroblast cell biology in the context of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and systemic sclerosis.
• Identify novel molecular targets related to fibroblast pathobiology and inflammation, contributing to target validation and mechanistic studies.
• Collaborate with the in vivo pharmacology team to develop disease-relevant animal models for evaluating the efficacy of drug leads.
• Target Screening & Validation
• Conduct cell-based screenings of potential targets using various molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, CRISPR, RNAi, RNA-seq).
• Implement genomic, protein, and cell-based assays to confirm discoveries and elucidate mechanisms of action.
• Experimental Design & Data Analysis
• Independently design experiments, analyze results, and communicate findings to internal stakeholders.
• Maintain thorough documentation and ensure data integrity.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Partner with research, development, and other teams to translate early discoveries into viable therapeutic strategies.
• Serve as a scientific resource within the organization, sharing expertise on fibroblast biology and autoimmune pathology and support BD team for evaluating potential collaboration opportunities in the relevant fields.
• Scientific Leadership
• Supervise Associate Scientist(s), providing mentorship and fostering a collaborative lab environment.
• Keep abreast of the latest scientific and technological advancements in fibroblast biology and autoimmune research.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education
• PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Technical Expertise
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology (e.g., cloning, transfection, transduction, qPCR, CRISPR, RNAi, RNA-seq, Western blot).
• Hands-on experience with pooled libraries (CRISPR, shRNA) for high-throughput screening.
• Solid background in cell culture techniques (including primary human T cells, myeloid cells, and/or fibroblasts) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
• Skilled in various cell-based assays (flow cytometry, proliferation, cytotoxicity); experience in imaging platforms (e.g., immunofluorescence microscopy, Incucyte) is a plus.
• Disease-Focused Background
• Research experience in fibroblast pathobiology and/or autoimmune disease models—especially in rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or systemic sclerosis—is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with generating and characterizing Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF) and/or other fibrotic models is a plus.
• Track Record
• History of success in target identification/validation, supported by peer-reviewed publications or patents.
• Soft Skills

Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and lead junior scientists effectively.

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