About the start-up

Dorian Therapeutics is a pre-clinical Silicon Valley biotech company focused on counteracting tissue aging in degenerative diseases and during cellular therapy by enhancing stem cell pathways. Dorian employs an innovative approach based on epigenetic remodeling, which modulates chromatin accessibility to orchestrate multiple programs dysregulated in diseases. The first target was identified at Stanford University over more than 10 years of research, and proprietary small molecules have been identified, optimized, and tested in preclinical models of fibrosis and osteoarthritis.

Dorian's approach has the opportunity to expand through different indications, revolutionizing the way we approach diseases from a disease-centric to a pathways-centric perspective, aiming to identify common features in tissue regeneration.

Founded in June 2018, Dorian Therapeutics spun out from Stanford University and joined YC (Y Combinator) and the Stanford-StartX program for early-stage start-ups. Our company is VC-backed, and our labs are based in San Carlos, California, in a new facility hosting several biotech companies.

The opportunity

The primary project for the intern will focus on lung fibrosis, a disease characterized by the accumulation of fibrotic tissue and scarring in the lungs, which limits their ability to expand and makes breathing difficult. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, and existing therapies have limited efficacy and are often accompanied by side effects.

Dorian Therapeutics developed a treatment targeting an epigenetic regulator of stem cells and has demonstrated preclinical efficacy. The intern's responsibilities will include:

• Assessing the pharmacodynamics of the small molecule in different formulations and routes of administration.

• Investigating the epigenetic changes mediated by the compound and examining their effects on the stem cell compartment within the lung. This research aims to elucidate how these changes contribute to enhancing the overall health and regeneration capability of lung tissue.

In addition to the lung fibrosis project, Dorian Therapeutics has been awarded a grant from the NIH for the study of osteoarthritis (OA). The intern may also be involved in testing the effects of the small molecule on mesenchymal stem cells and chondrocytes. Dorian Therapeutics aims to develop a first-in-class drug for OA, a disease with no current cure or effective treatment available.

Responsibility

Main responsibilities:

• Tissue culture including application of sterile techniques for handling primary cell cultures and immortalized cell lines

• Processing of mouse tissue for single cells isolation or for other downstream applications

• In vitro treatment with small molecule or genetic modification

• RNA extraction and qPCR analyses

• Protein extraction, quantification, and Western Blot

• Characterization of cells by flow cytometry and functional assays

• Routine lab support job

Other responsibilities:

• Independently design experiments and contribute with original ideas

• Maintain research inventory, equipment, record-keeping and administrative tasks

• Data analyses, interpretation and troubleshooting

• Assist with general lab management duties

• Participate in company meetings, communicate regularly with team members, including the founders, regarding project progress and experimental plans

• Be a team member in achieving common goals

about the candidate

Minimum education:
BS/MS in Biological Science or related field

Minimum experience:
Hands-on experience in tissue culture and molecular biology

Be willing and passionate about learning new techniques and go the extra mile to move the company forward

Pluses

Flow cytometry experience is a plus but not required

Experience with animal handling or tissue processing is a plus but not required