About Montara Therapeutics, Inc.

Montara Therapeutics, Inc. is a San Francisco-based biopharmaceutical company that pursues novel approaches to develop safer and more efficacious treatments for neurological diseases. Montara’s BrainOnly platform enables brain-specific pharmacology by utilizing existing and novel chemical warheads, thereby restricting deleterious on-target, off-tissue peripheral activity. BrainOnly holds the potential to develop drugs for numerous previously undruggable targets. 

The company is backed by top-tier investors, including SV Health Investors’ Dementia Discovery Fund, Two Bear Capital, KdT Ventures, Dolby Family Ventures, and others. For more information, visit montaratx.com.

At Montara, we prioritize employee growth and well-being, fostering an environment of education, innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Our core values are Drive, Attention to Detail, Data Focus, and Empathy.

About the Position

Overview:

The Research Associate, Chemistry, will play a pivotal role in our small-molecule identification and characterization efforts. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and help shape the future of medicine.

Job Requirements:

• Perform proper handling, storage, and data management of Montara’s compound library.
• Perform in vitro binding assays of small molecules to proteins.
• Passage and maintain cell lines for cell-based assays.
• Perform cell-based assays.
• Help develop and qualify new cell-free and cell-based assays.
• Work with the cell biology and in vivo teams to deliver stocks of compounds at appropriate concentrations for specific assays.
• Interface with external chemistry CROs to ensure appropriate delivery of new compounds.
• Stay up-to-date with new developments in small molecule/screening and implement new technologies.
• Create clear and concise presentations summarizing the data generated.
• Write experimental reports in the electronic lab notebook.

Qualifications:

• B.S. in chemistry, chemical biology, or biochemistry with 1 to 5 years of experience in small-molecule drug discovery in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Experience optimizing a variety of in vitro binding assays, including FP, SPR, and proximity assays.
• Experience with Cell-based assays, including luminescence and fluorescence-based assays
• Experience in compound library management.
• Can generate consistent data from day to day, for example, in cases where the same assay is used daily.
• Excellent record-keeping skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Salary & Benefits

Salary:

• $90,000 - $100,000 - based on experience, education, and qualifications
• Annual and spot bonus opportunities

Benefits:

• Stock options (amount TBD)
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents  
• Matching 401k plan
• Flexible PTO

Application Instructions

Applicants are invited to use the link below to submit a cover letter with a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) describing their specific experiences related to this position.

Montara is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment. Researchers from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.