Scientist II – Translational Sciences (Contract)
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.
| Company | Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. |
| Category | Uncategorised |
| Location | South San Francisco |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Not stated |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 28 Jul 2026 |
| Last verified | 2 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
Description
At Pliant, we believe differentiated science can make a meaningful impact. We see our success as a direct result of the central role that each team member plays in advancing our mission to develop therapies that target the disease at its source. We are seeking creative, curious and collaborative individuals who dare to succeed , are committed to making an important impact on patient’s lives and will help us build one Pliant ! Description
We have an immediate opening for a contract Scientist within our Translational Sciences group. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) contract position with a duration of 6 months.
This individual will join a team focused on discovery and advancement of tissue-specific delivery of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules. The primary responsibility of this position will be to design and manage preclinical in vivo and in vitro experiments supporting one or more of Pliant’s tissue-specific delivery platforms.
Responsibilities
Plan, design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments related to Pliant’s novel drug delivery platform
Design and manage experiments run at external CROs to advance our understanding of tissue-specific drug delivery platforms across multiple disease indications
Advance drug discovery programs by interacting with and communicating results to interdisciplinary team
Manage and supervise the day-to-day work of one or more Research Associates including training and coaching
Contribute to development and adoption of new technologies
Provide support for various research team projects using dynamic prioritization
Actively lead and/or participate in project meetings
Prepare detailed protocols, document experimental observations, analyze data promptly, and maintain accurate, well-organized records
Evaluate and clearly report experimental results to research team on a routine basis
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.
PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology or related field, with 2+ years industry experience in drug development
Expertise in cardiovascular, autoimmune, immuno-oncology or fibrotic disease preferred
Experience designing wet-lab assays that utilize basic cell biology laboratory procedures including cell culture, cell transfection, qRT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry/FACS, Western blot, fluorescent microscopy, immunofluorescence-based staining, etc.
Having experience working with Operetta CLS High content imaging and Sony Sorter is a plus
Experience working with iPSC cells is a plus
Experience designing, managing and analyzing results from in vivo studies evaluating drug PD/efficacy
Experience with evaluating CROs and managing in vivo and/or in vitro work performed by CROs
Strong evidence of conceptual thinking, active follow-through, and vigorous scientific curiosity
Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Candidate should be flexible with rapid changes in schedule based on scope/prioritization of projects
Candidate should exhibit strong, positive attitude for teamwork and learning
Ability to thrive in a culture of respect, accountability, transparency, and collaboration
The hourly rate for this role is $71/hr – $79/hr. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. To understand how Pliant complies with and manages your personal information with respect to the California Consumer Privacy Act, please visit https://pliantrx.com/ccpa-applicant-and-staff-privacy-notice/ .