Biological Anthropologist position at Seattle-based biotech startup

Scientist – Genetic Research Partnerships

Company Description

Variant Bio (variantbio.com) is a Seattle-based startup that is developing therapies to improve global health by studying the genes of people who are outliers for medically relevant traits. Variant Bio was started because we believe that human genetics has the power to transform drug development. To facilitate this, we have built proprietary genomics and phenotyping platforms that allow us to dramatically reduce the cost of genomic studies and identify genetically-validated targets for therapeutic development.

All of our studies are co-designed with local partners: community groups, academics, and hospitals around the world. We built Variant Bio from the ground up with ethics at its foundation. We recognize the contribution of our partners through an industry leading benefit-sharing program that dedicates 4% of our revenue and equity value to support local healthcare, sustainable development, education, research, and capacity-building initiatives.

Variant Bio is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Job Description

We are looking for a scientist with international field experience who will support expanding the scope and scale of our research collaborations around the world. We are looking for creative thinkers who can contribute to an early startup in project identification, design, execution, and data interpretation. The ideal candidate is a scientist (we will consider applicants spanning a broad range of backgrounds, e.g. anthropologist, biologist, human geographer) who is willing to learn how to manage a research project partnership from the ground up, and can step into the role of managing projects themselves. This position will report to the Head of Partnership Development.

Alignment with our ethical principles and effective communication in different cultural settings is a must. The candidate is passionate about human adaptation and variation, health, and genetics and is not intimidated by constant research and learning. The candidate will advise on, design, and support projects covering South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Our current projects cover areas of positive adaptation to various environmental conditions and their health implications, as well as disease-focused research on kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Responsibilities

Identify populations with unique genetic architectures or phenotypes in areas of unmet medical need.
Create scientific hypotheses and design population or cohort-based genomics studies.
Identify and set up collaborations around the world for human subjects studies, partnering with academic researchers, hospitals, biobanks, and local communities.
Work closely with ethicists and cultural anthropologists to co-design the studies together with partner communities.
Establish and cultivate relationships with partners and partner communities.
Design and negotiate contracts with partners and service providers, apply for human subjects ethical approval, and coordinate international logistics for project execution.
Develop and supervise local genotyping and phenotyping campaigns, often “in the field.”
Effectively communicate scientific results to local researchers, community members, and at scientific conferences.
Contribute to scientific publications.

Qualifications

Ability to leave your ego at the door and wear multiple hats in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
Post-secondary degree in biological anthropology, genetics, evolutionary biology, public health, epidemiology, or equivalent. Ph.D. a plus, but not a requirement.
Conceptual understanding of the principles of adaptation by natural selection.
Experience creating and executing field-based human subjects research projects, preferably outside of North America and Europe.
Well-connected and active in the public health or evolutionary/genetic anthropology field.
Strong people skills and ability to manage multiple, international partner relationships.
Understanding and appreciation for differences in global business norms and practices.
Independent, creative, detail-orientated, and a critical thinker.
Strong writing skills are a must.
Disease area, public health, genetics or human adaptation expertise is an advantage.
Compelled by the company’s mission of great science, a strong ethical stance, and benefit sharing.

Perks

Opportunity to be part of an early-stage startup entering a rapid growth phase.
Competitive, industry leading salary, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability and life insurance.
401(k) plan that includes an automatic 3% employer contribution.
Centrally located Eastlake, Seattle location in a new Alexandria building with modern facilities, including a gym.

Please email your resume and a cover letter highlighting your background and relevant skills to hiring@variantbio.com with the subject line “RE: Scientist – Genetic Research Partnerships.”