Lycia Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company leveraging its lysosomal targeting chimera (LYTAC) platform from Founder and Chemistry Nobel Laureate 2022, Carolyn Bertozzi, to discover and develop first-in-class therapeutics that degrade extracellular and membrane-bound proteins. Lycia’s next generation degraders harness the cell’s endogenous lysosomal trafficking and degradation machinery with the potential to degrade targets previously considered to be intractable, across a spectrum of indications. After raising $105 million in capital in 2021, Lycia is advancing an internal pipeline of novel degraders and has entered a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly to address key unmet medical needs. In May 2024, Lycia Therapeutics completed a $106.6 million series C financing to advance its pipeline of LYTAC extracellular protein degraders to the clinic. Lycia is headquartered in South San Francisco. 

Visit https://lyciatx.com/ for more information.

The Role:
Lycia Therapeutics is seeking an experienced, team-oriented scientist with a strong biochemistry or biophysics background to help develop novel small molecule and protein-based therapeutics. The candidate will work closely with members of the Biology, Chemistry and Biologics groups as part of an innovative research organization to advance LYTACs to the clinic.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Lead functional area within project teams to help advance pipeline projects, prioritize new targets and meet corporate goals
  • Generate high quality, reproducible data to support SAR campaigns, characterize potential drug candidates, and enable further development of the LYTAC platform
  • Assess receptor and target binding using a combination of plate-based fluorescence techniques and biophysical methods
  • Design, develop and execute SPR and BLI workflows to prioritize antibodies for advancement based on binding affinities, kinetics and selectivity
  • Design, optimize and execute cell-based assays to evaluate LYTAC activity
  • Evaluate, interpret, and document scientific results and communicate findings internally and with external collaborators

Requirements:

• • PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, or related field with 5-7 years of relevant post-graduate experience, with a strong publication record demonstrating scientific expertise. Previous industry experience is preferred.
  • Proficiency developing and conducting fluorescence assays to evaluate ligand binding, enzymatic activity and protein-protein interactions
  • Hands-on experience with biophysical techniques including SPR and BLI to monitor protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions
  • Previous experience measuring protein levels, signaling and viability using plate-based cellular assays to test antibody and small molecule activities
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to an integrated team
  • Adherence to tight timelines across multiple research projects and adapt to changing priorities
  • Highly motivated team player with excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Flexibility to contribute to multiple projects while remaining well organized
  • Creative problem solver with the demonstrated ability to overcome technical challenges

$135,000 - $155,000 a year
The expected base salary range for this role is $135-155k. We encourage candidates of all levels to apply as there is often flexibility on job title and responsibilities. Compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications and internal equity. Lycia offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status