Sr Scientist

About the Role

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals is seeking to hire a skilled and innovative Scientist to join our Innovation Lab team. This role will be instrumental in designing, executing, and analyzing preclinical experiments for internal innovation programs towards the creation of disruptive, new category-creating eye care pipeline programs for Tarsus, as well as helping to operationalize our new in-house laboratory facilities.

The individual will manage external research collaborations with CROs and academic partners while conducting hands-on experiments in our internal laboratory facility. This scientist will work closely with the rest of the Innovation Lab team to translate unmet needs into viable therapeutic strategies across multiple ophthalmology disease areas. The ideal candidate brings scientific versatility, strong project management skills, and the ability to transform research objectives into actionable experimental plans.

Let’s talk about some of the key responsibilities of the role:

• Serve as the expert scientific voice on the Innovation team, responsible for designing the scientific strategy and experimental plans required to meet goals set by leadership
• Identify, establish, and provide strategic oversight for external research collaborations, serving as an advisor to scientists on relationship management
• Lead the design, validation, and scientific oversight of experimental protocols, serving as the technical source of truth for the team
• Coordinate with external partners on in vivo ophthalmology models for efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity studies
• Oversee the execution of experiments in our internal lab while also conducting experiments where necessary
• Conduct basic science and clinical literature reviews, and be able to succinctly summarize in presentations disease pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential translation of various therapies
• Lead the analysis and interpretation of complex data sets, and present key findings and strategic recommendations to cross-functional teams and leadership
• Contribute to the continued development of our laboratory infrastructure
• Serve as a key scientific advisor on cross-functional initiatives, providing in-depth program evaluation to support diligence efforts
• Formally manage, mentor, and develop a team of scientists
• Lead the overall development of laboratory infrastructure, with the expectation to delegate specific operational responsibilities to the scientific team over time
• Stay current with scientific and medical literature in relevant therapeutic areas

Factors for Success:

• PhD with 2+ years of experience in the life science industry required, OR MS with 6+ years life sciences experience, OR BS with 8+ years life sciences experience
• Experience designing and executing preclinical studies, with expertise in in vitro techniques and cell/tissue culture
• Experience managing external research collaborations (CROs or academic partnerships) and multiple concurrent projects
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting complex data, with ability to clearly communicate scientific findings
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while aligning with strategic objectives
• Experience setting up or managing laboratory operations required
• Prior experience mentoring, supervising, or managing junior scientific staff is highly preferred
• Scientific ophthalmology experience highly preferred

A Few Other Details Worth Mentioning:

• The position will be based in our beautiful Irvine office, complete with a courtyard, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. We provide a hybrid work environment
• This position reports directly to the Director, Innovation Lab, with a dotted line to the Associate Director, Innovation Labs
• Some travel may be required – up 30%

At Tarsus, we understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The expected base pay range for this position is $116,200 - $162,800 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. The base pay range reflects the target range for this position, but individual pay will be determined by additional factors such as job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Our benefits include health, dental and vision insurance benefits to ensure your well-being. We believe in work-life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days. For more details regarding Tarsus benefits, please visit: https://alliantbenefits.cld.bz/25tarsusbenesnap.

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