Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated scientist with a passion for solving complex problems and contributing creatively within a small collaborative environment. As a member of the Ophthalmology Core Team in our Translational Development group, this position will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of ocular diseases and developing therapeutic strategies targeting the complement cascade and beyond. In this role, the candidate will lead and support the development and validation of innovative preclinical models of retinal and optic nerve diseases in rodents, employing clinically relevant endpoints where possible. The candidate will also mechanistically interrogate pharmacological effects of novel compounds, oversee data collection and analyses, and report results from nonclinical in vivo and/or in vitro pharmacology studies.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Design and execute preclinical studies to validate translational endpoints.
• Develop and implement in vitro and/or in vivo screening cascades for ocular therapeutics, including disease models for retinopathies (e.g., neovascular and degenerative conditions).
• Characterize disease models by evaluating mRNA/protein expression, structural integrity, function endpoints or other related biological changes.
• Contribute to pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic research (internal and external collaborations).
• Represent ophthalmology pharmacology on research teams.

Education, Registration & Certification

PhD or master’s degree with extensive hands-on experience in ophthalmology or vision research.

Experience

• 2-3+ years' experience in ophthalmology research, specifically including diseases of the retina.
• Expertise in vivarium operations, including nonclinical ocular imaging, animal handling, intravitreal injections, eye dissections, and perfusions.
• Experience in handling samples from in vivo studies is required.
• Proficiency in wet lab skills, including but not limited to, DNA/RNA extraction, lysate preparation, qPCR, protein quantification, Western blot/WES/JESS, and MSD/ELISA.
• Familiarity with in vitro evaluation of therapeutic modalities (small molecules, biologics, oligonucleotides) is desirable.
• Experience with novel cell model generation and/or immunoassay development is desirable.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Highly motivated team player, willing to contribute where needed in a flexible and fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details are essential.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and document experiments using electronic lab notebook.
• Capable of conducting statistical analysis preferred.
• Experience in using common research software applications (such as Prism, Excel, PowerPoint).

Physical Demands And Work Environment

This position is a lab-based position and requires standing for prolonged periods of time. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. This job operates in a professional office environment and/or laboratory one and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Benefits And Perks

Apellis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company match, inclusive family building benefits, flexible time off, summer and winter shutdowns, paid family leave, disability and life insurance, and more! Visit https://apellis.com/careers/ to learn more.

Company Background

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway, we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

For more information, please visit http://apellis.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

EEO Statement

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, smoker/nonsmoker, and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

For San Francisco postings

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.