Scientist / Principal Scientist - Oxia Therapeutics / Pharma Start-Up

Job Description

The Principal Scientist will be a hands-on, innovative discovery leader focused on gene regulation and tissue injury response, with a strong emphasis on building IND-enabling data packages, scalable workflows, and translationally relevant assays. Working closely with the Chief Scientific Officer and a collaborative scientific team, this role will shape Oxia’s discovery platform and drive first-in-class therapeutics toward the clinic, including tech transfer to external partners and contributions to IP strategy. Oxia’s research facility is located in the vibrant Helix Park innovation district within the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Hiring for immediate placement. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments aligned with rapidly evolving company priorities, milestones, and IND-enabling objectives.
• Participate in the development, optimization, and validation of drug discovery assays (cell-based and biochemical) to evaluate modulators of gene activation and tissue injury pathways, with an eye toward robustness, scalability, and eventual tech transfer.
• Pioneer creative experimental approaches to uncover and characterize novel modulators of injury-response and epigenetic signaling, and link mechanistic insights to translational readouts relevant for regulatory filings.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (chemistry, translational, CMC, external CROs) to integrate assay results into candidate selection, IND-enabling study design, and overall development strategy.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of scalable laboratory workflows, including documentation and process design that support reproducibility, quality, and transfer to internal and external partners.
• Partner with leadership and external counsel to generate high-quality data that supports patent filings and strengthens Oxia’s IP position in epigenetic regulation and wound repair.
• Mentor and inspire junior team members, contributing to both scientific and professional growth in a dynamic biotech setting.
• Communicate findings clearly across the team and with external partners; contribute scientific insights that drive strategy, portfolio prioritization, and risk assessment.
• Prepare and contribute to scientific reports, data packages for regulatory and investor interactions, and publications where appropriate.
• Maintain and improve lab protocols; ensure a culture of rigorous data documentation, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Support start-up operations by ensuring smooth laboratory workflows and alignment of scientific goals with company infrastructure and technology platforms.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related field; exceptional industry experience with an MS will be considered.
• 10+ years of experience in the field with 2+ years of relevant experience in biotech or pharma is required; prior start-up or high-growth industry experience preferred, with a track record of moving programs from discovery toward development or IND.
• Proven experience developing and running drug discovery assays, including:
• Cell-based functional assays (e.g., reporter assays, viability/phenotypic assays, pathway activation/inhibition).
• Biochemical/biophysical assays for target engagement.
• Assay troubleshooting, miniaturization, and implementation in low- to medium-throughput screening, with attention to assay robustness and transferability.
• Experience designing and executing cell-based biochemical assays; strong interest in gene regulation, epigenetics, or tissue repair, ideally with exposure to regulatory or translational endpoints.
• Demonstrated comfort working independently in a biotech environment, with a willingness to “wear multiple hats” while benefiting from a fully funded, well-resourced lab.
• Strong technical proficiency in mammalian cell culture, quantitative readouts (flow cytometry, luminescence/fluorescence), and standard molecular biology/CRISPR techniques.
• Experience contributing to IND-enabling activities, tech transfer to CROs or external labs, or generation of data supporting patents or regulatory documents is a plus.
• Record of scientific and/or technical leadership in small teams; mentoring experience and enthusiasm for developing others.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to design and manage efficient workflows and adapt swiftly to evolving priorities and timelines.
• Track record of effective communication—in presentations, data summaries, or publications/supporting grant or regulatory applications.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative spirit—energized by building new capabilities and making an impact as part of a close-knit biotech team.