Target Discovery Scientist

The opportunity

OutSee is a techbio startup that is defining the state of the art in genomic drug target discovery. Where current methods search for correlation between genetics and disease, our AI platform
Nomaly

searches for the causal biological mechanisms driving the disease.

So far, the techbio industry has its tunnel vision focused on the creation of binders. By applying our technology to target identification, we are transforming a fundamental but overlooked pillar of drug development.

We are recruiting a biologist who is proactive and relentlessly curious to evaluate, investigate and triage the novel drug targets discovered by
Nomaly

, our proprietary computational genomics platform (Lu et al.
Nature comms

2023).

• High-impact role in a funded, cutting-edge TechBio startup with strong growth potential.
• Opportunity to discover, investigate, and shape a pipeline of novel drug targets across multiple disease areas.
• Work with novel AI-driven computational approaches for drug target discovery and precision medicine.
• Collaborate with top-tier scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of genomic analysis.
• Competitive benefits, share options, and a dynamic startup environment.

Please apply with both a CV and covering letter, as described in the Application guidelines below.

Role Overview

As a Target Discovery Scientist / Research Biologist, you will play a vital part in our target generation and biomarker discovery efforts. You will contribute scientific analysis for the preclinical assessment of potential candidates generated from
Nomaly

, our differentiated platform technology. You will use your expertise in molecular biology and genetics to prioritise novel drug targets, linking them via function to disease biology, and in some cases profiling target safety and progressability.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluating functional and molecular mechanisms for a genetic influence on a disease
• Finding and analysing databases, resources and literature to build the case for your hypotheses
• Weighing multiple sources of evidence, triaging and prioritising leads, and independently investigating to build a story around a biomedical hypothesis
• Depending on your experience, reviewing and analysing a range of evidence such as tissue/cell expression data, independent genetic evidence, interaction data, protein structure and sequence analysis, clinical data, published disease model, animal or organoid results, ontologies, etc.

Qualifications

You will have a strong background as a Biologist or Bioinformatician, most likely with a proven track record of publishing high-impact biological papers, and most of the following qualifications:

• PhD in Genomics, Molecular or Cell biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology, an understanding of genetics, and ideally experience interpreting disease mechanisms
• Experience as a Research Scientist with a proven track record of publishing high-impact scientific papers in biology, or in delivering and completing projects or objectives using analytical and problem-solving skills
• An understanding of the statistics and the principles behind human genomics is preferred, and/or

(optionally)

experience in genomics research e.g. working with VCF files, UKBiobank, 1000 genomes or other genetic cohorts
- (optionally)

Programming skills, particularly in languages such as Python or R
- A desire to learn and embrace new approaches
- Good communication and teamwork skills

Application Guidance

We receive an exceptionally high number of applications, so please follow this guidance so that we can review your application:

• Apply by sending a CV and short cover letter to
  

. Please use this email address if your computer doesn't recognise the "send application" button on the website. CVs without cover letters will be rejected without review.
- Your CV should be

one page only

and must include all relevant grades (including degree and high school). If you have a degree from outside the UK, please briefly describe the university (e.g. "Highest ranked computer science university in Poland" or "Top 3 maths institute in France")
- Please write a short cover letter of one paragraph describing in your own words
a)

why you are motivated to apply for this role, and
b)

how you think your abilities, experience and interests will make you suited to the role.
Do not use AI to write your cover letter.
- Please say in your cover letter when you would be able to start work, and if you have the right to work in the UK. OutSee is able to sponsor visas for high potential applicants.
- If you are not based in Cambridge now, describe how you will relocate or travel to work every day.
- If you do not follow these guidelines, unfortunately your application will be rejected without further consideration due to application volume.