Scientist, Discovery Science

COMPANY

Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage oncology biotech company based in New York City, pioneering novel approaches to treating cancer by targeting chromosomal instability (CIN), a unique vulnerability in cancer. Since its founding in 2019, Volastra has grown to support ongoing discovery efforts and a growing clinical organization.

Our lead pipeline programs focus on two distinct inhibitors of KIF18A, a novel therapeutic target. VLS-1488, internally discovered, entered clinical trials in Q4 2023 for the treatment of advanced cancers. Sovilnesib, in-licensed from Amgen in 2023, re-entered the clinic in Q2 2024. Both assets have been granted Fast-Track Designation by the FDA. Volastra is also developing new techniques to understand the biology of chromosomal instability and leveraging these insights to drive forward a preclinical pipeline of therapies against innovative targets.

Volastra is backed by top US and European venture firms such as Arch, Polaris, Vida, Droia, Catalio, and B Capital, alongside strategic investment from Eli Lilly. In addition to venture funding, Volastra has established partnerships with oncology leaders. Our senior leadership team is highly experienced, supported by a world-class advisory board.

We are headquartered in West Harlem, New York City, within easy reach of Columbia, Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and surrounding areas. Please visit for more information.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The role of Scientist of Discovery Science will report to the Senior Scientist/Senior Lab Manager in close collaboration with the Chief Scientific Officer and the rest of the Discovery Team, and work towards the successful execution of preclinical development programs. As a scientist, you will play a central role in turning foundational CIN biology into new medicines. You will design, execute, and interpret rigorous experiments that validate targets, elucidate mechanism of action, and accelerate progression from hit/lead to in vivo proof-of-concept.

This is a bench-forward position for a creative, self-directed experimentalist who thrives in a fast-moving biotech setting and loves collaborating across chemistry, biochemistry, DMPK, in vivo pharmacology, and computational biology.

Volastra is a fast-paced biotech company of passionate employees, and there is ample opportunity for the ideal candidate to grow and develop with the organization. Individuals will have, from time to time, the opportunity to gain experience with projects outside their direct scope of work.

Job is based in NYC and requires a minimum of 80% in office time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Participate in key discovery workstreams from target validation through early pharmacology; design clear, decision-driving experimental plans and timelines.
• Interrogate mechanism using genetic perturbation (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi), rescue, pathway mapping, and combination studies aligned with CIN biology.
• Develop and optimize cellular assays to quantify phenotype and mechanism.
• Build translationally relevant target-engagement and PD assays to enable SAR and inform dose/PK-PD modeling for in vivo studies.
• Track record of successfully managing external projects with CRO's from scoping to final data delivery
• Work effectively with colleagues across the team to participate in adjacent discovery-related efforts
• Provide clear updates to Discovery, Preclinical, and Leadership; write technical reports, support patent filings, and prepare data packages for milestones.

REQUIREMENTS:
• PhD in Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology or related field (or MS/BS with commensurate depth of industry experience).
• 5+ years of hands-on lab experience with a range of relevant research techniques including cell-based assays and molecular biology. In vivo mouse experience is strongly preferred
• Understanding of the drug development process from target identification to marketing authorization is strongly encouraged
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate well with team members

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
• Direct experience in CIN-relevant biology (mitosis, microtubules/kinetochore function, replication stress, DNA-damage response) or image-based phenotyping
• In vivo oncology familiarity (xenograft/PDX syngeneic models), PK/PD thinking, and translational biomarker awareness for discovery-to-development continuity.

Salary Range:

Approximately $130,000 - $150,000 which may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and ultimate leveling. Leveling outside of that stated may be considered for exceptional candidates on a case-by-case basis.