Contact us for more information about our company and science

Azitra Inc. is a clinical stage medical dermatology company that leverages its extensive knowledge of proteomics, genetic engineering, and the skin microbiome to create and develop novel products for the treatment of skin conditions and diseases.

Position is for Groton, CT facility.

As a Research Associate in Drug Substance Process Development, you will:

• Operate in a Drug Substance process development facility for the manufacture of live biotherapeutics.
• Operate, and maintain Fermentation and Lyophilization equipment
• Follow SOPs (Manufacturing, Facilities, Equipment, Laboratory Controls, Materials, Packaging and Shipping)
• Record and present data in well-organized written and oral formats.
• Work closely with Research, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, and Manufacturing personnel.
• Assist in the manufacture of clinical supplies for a topical Drug Product on a regular basis.
• Maintain raw materials, research cell bank, and finished product inventories.
• Manage cleaning practices.
• Work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.

Your background will likely include:

• A bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Microbiology, or related field plus 0-3 years of experience
• Familiarity with handling and processing of live microbes
• Good aseptic technique and a working knowledge of routine microbiology assays
• Experience in the development of microbial manufacturing procedures.
• The ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Excellent technical and computer skills.

EMAIL:
jobs@azitrainc.com
Subject Line: Research Associate, Process Development

Azitra Inc. is a clinical stage medical dermatology company that leverages its extensive knowledge of proteomics, genetic engineering, and the skin microbiome to create and develop novel products for the treatment of skin conditions and diseases.

Position is for Branford, CT facility.

As an Associate Research Scientist/Research Scientist you will;

• Independently design and conduct experiments to characterize novel recombinant and naturally occurring bacterial strains for potential therapeutic use.
• Construct strains, recombinant plasmids and genetically manipulate bacterial strains, as required.
• Propose and prioritize next steps for strain improvement, and systematically trouble-shoot technical hurdles.
• As appropriate, identify, pursue, and implement new technologies to support and expand internal capabilities.
• Constructively contribute new ideas, suggestions, insights at project meetings, as well as ad hoc.
• Support general laboratory operations with maintaining supply inventories, equipment maintenance, and general biological and chemical laboratory safety.
• Record and present data in well-organized written and oral formats.
• Write study reports as required.
• Work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Attend and present at internal and external meetings/conferences as required.

You background will likely include:

 A background in molecular microbiology, experience in prokaryotic recombinant gene expression, bacterial physiology, genetics and strain construction.

• Familiarity with handling BSL-2 bacteria, mammalian cell culture, and sterile technique.
• Experience in the development and performance of biochemical and mammalian/bacterial cell-based assays.
• The ability to design/troubleshoot/ validate assays, and critically analyze assay data.
• Excellent technical and computer skills; familiarity with current molecular techniques and software, including the ability to design/construct plasmids, genetically manipulate bacterial strains, and analyze sequence data for cloning purposes. Routine experience with Western blots, ELISAs, PCR, qPCR.

Educational Background:

• MS + 2 years, or BS + >5 years, degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, or biotechnology.
• Prior experience in recombinant gene expression in bacteria, proficiency in cloning/plasmid construction, and bacterial strain construction are absolutely required. Knowledge of bacterial physiology, genetics and experience with Gram-positive bacteria are highly desired.  Experience working with skin commensal bacteria a plus.

EMAIL:
jobs@azitrainc.com
Subject Line: Molecular Microbiologist

Azitra Inc. is a synthetic biology, clinical stage, dermatology company that leverages its extensive knowledge of proteomics, genetic engineering, and the skin microbiome to create and develop novel products for the treatment of skin conditions and diseases.

Azitra, Inc. seeks a dynamic and highly motivated individual to help revolutionize the field of biological therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of skin diseases. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment of rapid development and implementation of novel techniques as we seek to apply modern microbial genetics to novel therapeutic development.

We are seeking a Vice President, Research to join our team. The success of the Vice President, Research is viewed as essential to the long-term growth and success of the organization. She/he must also possess the demonstrated ability to represent the company and its programs effectively in a variety of settings, from the laboratory to commercial partner presentations. This individual will be responsible for the overall research direction including designing, developing, and executing in vitro and in vivo studies, to identify, validate, and develop novel targets and therapeutics to leverage the microbiome and immune and inflammatory mediated mechanisms of disease.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with relevant technical and scientific qualifications to provide leadership and strategic input across Azitra. She/he will also create a culture of empowerment, while developing and mentoring functional resources to support business objectives. This individual will understand the key strategic levers of a successful biotechnology company, including best practices and strategies for product development, troubleshooting challenges, collaboration in transitioning research activities to the development group. This position reports to the Chief Science Officer.

Requirements

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Selection and genetic transformation of new microbial strains and products to fill the development pipeline.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership, guidance, and development of research programs focused on the microbiome and its impact on variety of diseases and disorders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with third party contractors / key Contract Research Organizations (“CROs”) in order to expedite drug development and ensure quality and accuracy of work.
• Negotiate contracts/study plans with CROs to ensure appropriate costs for studies; manage the internal project team, investigative sites, and external contractors to agreed budgets, timescales and go/no go milestones.
• Develop a strong scientific and technical team, creating the right alignment, setting aggressive goals, and hiring the right talent to aggressively drive the research agenda and maintain capacity to take on new research projects.
• Contribute to strategy development and decision-making in relation to company-wide issues as a member of the leadership team.
• Maintain current awareness of developments and competitor activity in the scientific and medical fields relevant to Azitra.
• Serve as a role model for creative problem solving, focused execution, and a behavior that promotes teamwork and collaboration
• Lead scientific data presentations at conferences and discussions at advisory boards.
• Perform scientific due diligence, as needed, to evaluate new product opportunities and alliances.
• Responsible for departmental budget preparation, personnel development, project coordination and long-range planning.
• Serve as an example of how to successfully collaborate cross functionally within the organization with development, regulatory, manufacturing, and clinical groups.
• Provide the business acumen needed to make key research decisions and conveying the impact of those decisions to the team.

Qualifications & Skills

• Well-developed organizational, interpersonal, and scientific project management skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication required
• Experience with animal models for the evaluation of immune/inflammatory diseases.
• Experience studying inflammatory mediators and cytokine/chemokine profiling.
• Experience in molecular biology (sequence analysis, plasmid vector design and construction).
• Experience with metabolic assays (i.e. – Seahorse).
• Strong entrepreneurial abilities, sense of urgency, and team player
• Ability to provide direct reports with clear business objectives, performance metrics and strategy.
• Solution-focused mindset and a proven ability to build community and develop strong partnerships across functions.
• Demonstrated track record of effective project management: managing multiple projects, adhering to strict timelines, effectively managing, and developing direct reports, and solving complex problems creatively whether scientific or managerial in nature.

Education & Experience

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, molecular genetics and/or immunology
• 15+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical research, discovery, or development; including 10+ years leading, nurturing, and developing scientific teams.
• Established scientific and publication track record.
• Areas of expertise should include scientific rigor in leading some or all of the following: microbiological screening programs, molecular biology and strain engineering studies, biomarker development programs, preclinical disease models and toxicology studies.
• Thorough grounding in informatics technologies and the use of information systems to enhance the drug discovery and development process.
• Ability to operate on a strategic level, but also on a hands-on operational level.

EMAIL:
jobs@azitrainc.com
Subject Line: Vice President, Research