We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Scientist/Associate Director to lead our biology efforts in discovering novel therapeutics for metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity. This hire will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing science and improving patient care. The role involves independently designing, developing, and executing in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies using disease-relevant models through hands-on lab work, managing direct reports, collaborating with the in vivo pharmacology group, and managing CROs. Reporting to the VP of Biology, the successful candidate will demonstrate scientific rigor, effective teamwork, and strong leadership in both management and mentorship, thriving in a dynamic matrix environment.   

 Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead biology efforts to discover novel, small-molecule therapeutics for metabolic diseases, e.g. diabetes and obesity, through hands-on experiments, mentoring and training scientists in experimental techniques and study designs, and collaborating internally and with CROs. 

• Design, develop, and execute hypothesis-driven in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies using various cellular and preclinical animal models to support Med Chem SAR optimization and pharmacological profiling; validate targets through disease-relevant models. 

• Manage and mentor direct reports to ensure high team performance and rigor, scientific integrity, and collaborative dynamics in a matrix environment where everyone excels together, fostering professional development and empowerment. 

• Independently analyze data, interpret results, and plan subsequent experiments to advance the program and scientific understanding, ensuring experiments are prioritized to meet project needs, while integrating findings with existing literature and collaborating cross-functionally to drive scientific progress.  

• Deliver high-level presentations on experimental findings and study plans during project team, management and SAB meetings, engage in strategic scientific discussions and new target proposals, and actively participate in multidisciplinary drug discovery teams to ensure that strategies align with both overall research goals and business needs.  

• Communicate scientific and therapeutic advances internally and externally through scientific or medical journal publications and conference presentations. 

Qualifications: 

• 6 years of relevant industry experience, including at least 3 years focused on metabolic disease therapeutic area. 

• Specialization in disease-relevant in vitro and in vivo pharmacology models for diabetes and obesity, with a proven track record of designing and executing studies that advance project progress and meet milestones for go/no-go decisions. 

• Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology, and CRISPR-based functional genomic techniques, ability to conduct hands-on experiments, as well as train and guide team members in executing these experiments.  

• Extensive experience managing day-to-day operations with CROs to ensure effective study execution, high data quality, and rapid progress toward completion and advancement.  

• Over two years of experience managing at least two direct reports, fostering a collaborative environment to drive productivity. Proficient in mentorship and team empowerment, adapting to various management styles, with a strong focus on empathetic leadership.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong organizational and problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail.  

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic matrix environment, significantly contributing to project strategies and progression, and driving excellence through teamwork and collaboration. Proficient in working cross-functionally to enhance project success. 
• Strong record of scientific communication through manuscripts, patents and presentations  

Education: 

• Ph.D. in Cell and/or Molecular Biology, or Genetics, or Biology discipline with 6+ years of industry experience 

* The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $180,000 to $195,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type, and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Terremoto Biosciences, is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work only in other states.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.