Senior Scientist, Research

Who We Are

Arda is targeting cells to treat disease. We are taking aim at chronic diseases and aging by eliminating the pathogenic cells that drive these conditions.

A new approach to old diseases

Cells are the functional units of life, but they are also the functional units of disease. Many diseases are caused by certain cell populations becoming too abundant or active; for example, the overgrowth of stromal cell types contributes to fibrosis, while the excessive activation of particular immune cells leads to chronic inflammation. Arda’s hypothesis is that removing these cells will delay or reverse disease progression.

Our approach starts by using single-cell data to identify pathogenic cells and specific markers to target them. We then design therapies to eliminate these - and only these - cells. We are initially focused on treating chronic diseases, with the long-term goal of extending healthy lifespan.

Arda is a seed-stage biotech located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are backed by Andreessen Horowitz, GV, The Longevity Fund, Village Global, Axial, NJF and others. Our mission is clear, our commitment is strong, and our expectations are high. Come build with us.

What we value

Rigor. Decisions are based on data. Persuasive arguments are built from evidence and logic, not from authority or wishful thinking. Truth is paramount.

Impact. We measure outputs, not inputs. We think carefully about where to put our goalposts, and once placed, we drive toward them with zeal. Value comes from contribution, not credentials.

Community. Whether we succeed or fail, we do so as a team. We communicate with transparency and speak to one another with respect. We reject hypotheses, not people.

Accountability. To our patients and to each other. We are each responsible for our words, actions, and results.

Grit. Doing science means being wrong, a lot. We strive for progress, not perfection. We persevere. We build skill and knowledge through consistent and deliberate effort.

The Role

As a Senior Scientist, you will drive the discovery phase of multiple programs within Arda's pipeline, generating data packages that inform clear next steps. This is an opportunity to shape the company from the beginning: your input will be essential to Arda's strategy, process, and culture. The experience you gain in this role is a rare commodity that will establish you as an operator and builder.

Beyond exciting science, you’ll have enough equity to be a true stakeholder in the company, a competitive salary and benefits, a flexible time off policy so you can be at your best while you’re working, and enthusiastic support from the other members of our inclusive, world-class team.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and execute Arda's experimental strategy in multiple indication areas
• Be a leader in the lab by designing and executing in vitro pharmacology allowing progression of Arda’s Ab pipeline (binding, activity, cytotoxicity assays etc…).
• Develop disease-relevant, cell- and tissue-based assays
• Engineer and characterize cell lines overexpressing and downregulating targets of interest.
• Design and implement multi-stage experimental plans to identify and validate cell surface targets across multiple indications.
• Develop RNA- and protein-based platforms to characterize target expression profiles in cells and tissues
• Generate clear, comprehensive in vitro pharmacology and translational science data packages that inform decision-making and prepare for IND filing
• Keep abreast of new technology and add useful assays to Arda's toolbox
• Recruit and mentor junior scientists and research associates
• Build valuable relationships with consultants, advisors, collaborators, and clinicians

Qualifications

• You have earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences or related discipline with at least 5 years drug discovery experience in a Biotech or Pharma.
• Your substantial wet lab experience includes: cell line engineering, FACS, western blotting, immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, ELISA, bulk and single-cell library preparation, in vitro pharmacology.
• You have industry experience working on therapeutic antibody characterization, ideally modalities directed at eliminating cells (antibody-drug conjugates, T cell engaging bispecifics, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity)
• You have contributed to investigator brochures or IND application as an in vitro pharmacology or cell biology functional lead.
• You have a good understand of, and hands-on experience with, modern single cell characterization techniques
• You have deep biological expertise related to antibodies and immunotherapy, fibrosis and/or chronic inflammation
• You excel at leading and managing drug discovery projects from inception to conclusion
• You are meticulous, organized, and pride yourself on leading by example in the lab
• You have excellent communication skills and take personal satisfaction in producing clear presentations and electronic notebook entries that enable decision-making.
• Nice-to-have: experience with data analysis tools such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and programming languages such as Python and R.