Revolutionizing human medicine with molecular glues
Magnet Biomedicine’s modular platform enables the systematic discovery of true molecular glues towards the treatment of human disease.
Our technology builds upon the discoveries of our Scientific Founders, who provided the seminal observations of molecular glues and have explored them for over 30 years.
THE SCIENCE
Molecular glues are compounds that induce and stabilize interactions between two or more proteins.
Recent advances in the design of bifunctional molecular glues have increased the popularity of E3-ligase-recruiting degraders and have demonstrated the value of recruiting enzymes to therapeutic targets.
However, this subclass represents only a small fraction of the potential of molecular glues. We believe that molecular glues need not recruit enzymatic proteins to impart therapeutic benefit, and that this class of molecular glues represents an untapped reservoir for medicines.
At Magnet Biomedicine, we apply this foundational principle to every aspect of our molecular-glue discovery platform as we evaluate the entire human proteome for our molecular-glue toolbox. Our history in this field dates back to the 1990s, when our Scientific Founders made the seminal discoveries of molecular glues. Tacrolimus (FK506) and sirolimus (rapamycin)—approved by the FDA in 1994 and 1999, respectively—are both molecular glues and demonstrate how simple protein recruitment can result in meaningful drug activity. In fact, these drugs inhibit their targets in a substrate-selective manner by partially blocking the entry portal to the active sites. These transformative therapeutics highlight the flexibility of molecular glues as a drug modality and underscore the rationale for Magnet’s comprehensive approach to molecular-glue medicines.
Our history in this field dates back to the 1990s, when our Scientific Founders made the seminal discoveries of molecular glues.
Tacrolimus (FK506) and sirolimus (rapamycin)—approved by the FDA in 1994 and 1999, respectively—are both molecular glues and provide examples for how simple protein recruitment can result in drug activity. In fact, these drugs inhibit their targets in a substrate-selective manner by partially blocking the entry portal to the active sites.
These transformative examples highlight the flexibility of molecular glues as a modality for drug discovery and underscore Magnet’s comprehensive approach to molecular-glue medicines.
OUR TECHNOLOGY
Building upon recent advances in proteomics, screening, and DNA sequencing, we believe the time is now to execute on these long-standing goals.
By combining state-of-the-art screening technologies and human-biology-driven protein selection, Magnet Biomedicine has developed the means to systematically discover true molecular glues, i.e. those that exhibit cooperative binding.
Our technology can be applied in a target- and indication-agnostic manner to discover a wide range of molecular glues with highly specific activities.
THE FOUNDERS
Michael Rosbash, Ph.D.
Stuart Schreiber, Ph.D.
Richa Saxena, Ph.D.
Benjamin F. Cravatt, Ph.D.
OUR INVESTORS
Arch Venture Partners (San Francisco)
Newpath Partners (Boston)
CAREERS
Magnet Biomedicine is building a world-class team to unleash the scientific breakthroughs and expertise of our Founders.
We are looking for creative, thoughtful, science-first innovators to join our collaborative team. Come help us realize the potential of molecular glues to achieve the broadest possible impact for patients.
Click the job openings to learn more.
About Magnet Biomedicine
Magnet Biomedicine is a fast-paced, collaborative, venture-backed startup focused on the discovery and development of molecular glues toward the treatment of human disease. Magnet Biomedicine is founded by Stuart Schreiber, Michael Rosbash, Ben Cravatt, and Richa Saxena and backed by Arch Venture Partners and Newpath Partners. Magnet Biomedicine leverages multiple platforms and relies heavily on cutting-edge ideas from human biology, genetics, and screening. Magnet Biomedicine offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes a medical, dental and vision insurance. This is a full-time position in Cambridge, MA.
Job description
Scientist, Biochemistry and Chemical Biology
Magnet Biomedicine has an opportunity for a highly motivated scientist to conduct protein purification, enzyme assays, biophysical ligand binding experiments, and DNA-encoded library screens. The candidate will be responsible for collaborating with a team of passionate scientists to discover and develop molecular glue therapeutics.
Expectations
- A strong work ethic and willingness to learn biochemical target engagement assays in drug discovery.
- Demonstrated ability to reliably implement complex laboratory protocols in multi-well format.
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and documentation habits.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Be a team player and strong individual contributor and able to handle multiple tasks.
- Flexibility to accommodate to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
- Expertise in protein biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Meticulous with experiment planning, execution, and analysis.
- Strong analytical mindset and knowledge of relevant statistical methods.
- Intellectual curiosity and a positive, collegial attitude.
- Willingness to learn new techniques and master them.
- Hands-on experience with small-molecule binding/inhibition assays.
- Track record of scientific productivity.
- Proficient with scientific software (Pymol, Graphpad Prism, Adobe Illustrator).
- Experience with biophysical assays to measure molecular glue binding.
- Working knowledge of DNA-encoded library screening.
- Specific training in chemical biology.
- Experience working with and managing CRO
Principal Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
- Plan and execute biophysical and biochemical assays (enzyme assays, DSF, ITC, LC-MS, etc.).
- Purify proteins from multiple expression systems (E. coli, SF9, mammalian cells) and perform quality control assays on each target.
- Maintain impeccable experimental records in an ELN.
- Independently identify and solve technical experimental problems.
- Collaborate closely with all members of the Magnet team.
- Present your results clearly and concisely to the group.
Education:
• PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry or related field with 0 – 3 years of relevant post-graduate experience or a BS/MS with 8+ years of experience.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office and lab environment. This role routinely uses standard office and lab equipment.
About Magnet Biomedicine
Magnet Biomedicine is a fast-paced, collaborative, venture-backed startup focused on the discovery and development of molecular glues toward the treatment of human disease. Magnet Biomedicine is founded by Stuart Schreiber, Michael Rosbash, Ben Cravatt, and Richa Saxena and backed by Arch Venture Partners and Newpath Partners. Magnet Biomedicine leverages multiple platforms and relies heavily on cutting-edge ideas from human biology, genetics, and screening. Magnet Biomedicine offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes a medical, dental and vision insurance. This is a full-time position in Cambridge, MA.
Job Description
Senior Research Associate/Research Associate: Bioassays
Magnet Biomedicine is seeking a curious and passionate scientist with excellent communication skills and a desire to work in a fast-paced and dynamic team environment. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the Magnet team by conducting experiments to support biochemical assays for hit validation. This individual will also participate in the discovery of novel small-molecule glues of protein targets through the execution of screens. The candidate has a strong desire to learn, high level of organization and attention to detail, as well as hands-on experience with chemical/molecular biology techniques such as SDS-PAGE, PCR and plate-based assays.
Expectations
- A strong work ethic and willingness to learn biochemical target engagement assays in drug discovery.
- Demonstrated ability to reliably implement complex laboratory protocols in multi-well format.
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and documentation habits.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Be a team player and strong individual contributor and able to handle multiple tasks.
- Flexibility to accommodate to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
- Experience with automated multi-channel pipets is preferred but not required.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, Prism, etc.
Principal Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
- Participate in biochemical assay design, planning and execution of medium- to high- throughput 96/384 well assay formats, such as quantitative fluorescence/bioluminescence-based assays.
- Develop and maintain a deep understanding of mechanistic principles behind multiple assay platforms.
- Support DNA-encoded library screens.
- Effectively analyze and summarize experimental outcomes, record experimental procedures and raw and analyzed data.
- Independently identify and solve technical experimental problems.
- Openness to mastering additional chemical biology techniques.
- Maintain impeccable experimental records in an ELN.
- Proven ability to effectively work in team environment across multiple projects.
Education:
• BA/BS or MS in biochemistry, molecular biology, biology or related field with strong interest in contributing to the discovery of novel small-molecule drugs within an innovative biotech environment.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office and lab environment. This role routinely uses standard office and lab equipment.
