Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:

Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

Palo Alto, CA

About GondolaBio

GondolaBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next- therapeutics for genetic diseases. Originally launched as BridgeBioX, a subsidiary of BridgeBio, GondolaBio secured $300M in private financing from external investors in 2024 and became an independent company within the BridgeBio ecosystem. The company aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to create breakthrough medicines addressing high unmet needs across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology. Located on the Stanford Life Sciences campus, GondolaBio fosters a unique hybrid environment where top scientists from around the world collaborate with senior leadership and advisors, blending industry expertise with academic innovation.

Who You Are

We're seeking an entrepreneurial scientific leader who combines intellectual rigor with practical execution skills to advance our pipeline at GondolaBio. You will serve as the scientific lead for multiple preclinical programs where structural biology is a key component of the discovery process. You will play a pivotal role in designing, executing, and interpreting experiments. This position offers the opportunity to shape research strategy while mentoring junior scientists and contributing to a growing, interdisciplinary team.

Key?Responsibilities

• Lead the and interpretation of high-resolution membrane protein-drug (small molecule, peptide, etc) structures as determined by Cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography or other techniques
• Following structure determination, key findings and observations must be communicated with medicinal chemistry colleagues to help drive improvements in compounds
• Sufficient understanding of computational methodologies in the field, or the ability to converse with computational colleagues to drive development
• Oversee external research activities, including CRO and academic collaborations, ensuring high-quality and timely data delivery
• Supervise and mentor junior scientists, fostering a high-performing and collaborative research environment
• Stay abreast of emerging science, engage with external experts, and represent the company at scientific meetings
• Communicate results and strategic insights to senior leadership; contribute to publications and IP
• Partner with leadership to shape and execute a cohesive research strategy that advances program objectives across discovery and translational stages

Education?&?Experience

• PhD in structural biology, biophysics or a related field with post-doctoral experience in the same with 8+ years of hands-on experience in a laboratory; strong publication record is a plus
• Track record of success generating high quality structures of integral membrane proteins; experience with ion channels or other transmembrane signaling proteins (e.g., GPCRs)
• Strong understanding of protein purification, construct design, protein-ligand interactions, computational methods including expertise with kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of ligand binding
• Experience evaluating, coordinating different aspects of experiment lifecycle, reviewing data, and providing technical guidance to CROs and other external partners
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and lead junior team members
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Nice-to-Haves

• 2+ years of industry experience highly valued, especially direct experience collaborating with medical chemistry colleagues to inform compound design
• Adeptness with computational modeling tools (e.g., PyMOL, Chimera) and structural analysis software
• Experience with design and execution of functional studies on ion channels (e.g., patch-clamp electrophysiology)
• Sound knowledge of disciplines involved in drug discovery (cell-based disease models, target engagement and target modulation assays, cell viability assays, biomarker discovery, PD/PK, and efficacy studies) and experience with small molecules, plate-based cellular and biochemical assays

No matter your role at GondolaBio, successful team members are

• Patient Champions, who put patients first and uphold strict ethical standards
• Entrepreneurial Operators, who drive toward practical solutions and have an ownership mindset
• Truth Seekers, who are detailed, rational, and humble problem solvers
• Individuals Who Inspire Excellence in themselves and those around them
• High-quality executors, who execute against goals and milestones with quality, precision, and speed

What We Offer

• Patient Days, where we are fortunate to hear directly from individuals living with the conditions we are seeking to impact throughout the year and learn how we can improve our efforts
• A culture inspired by our values: put patients first, think independently, be radically transparent, every minute counts, and let the science speak
• An unyielding commitment to always putting patients first.
• A de-centralized model that enables our program teams to focus on advancing science and helping patients. Our affiliate structure is designed to eliminate bureaucracy and put decision-making power in the hands of those closest to the science
• A place where you own the vision – both for your program and your own career path
• A collaborative, fast-paced, data-driven environment where we inspire ourselves and each other to always perform at the top of our game
• Access to learning and development resources to help you get in the best professional shape of your life
• Robust and market-competitive compensation & benefits package (Base, Performance Bonus, Equity, health, welfare & retirement programs)
• Flexible PTO
• Rapid career advancement for strong performers
• Potential ability to work on multiple GondolaBio programs across multiple therapeutic areas over time
• Partnerships with leading institutions
• Commitment to , Equity &

The base pay range for this position is $190,000 to $205,000 per year. The actual compensation offered will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and location. A bonus plan and equity will also be offered.

Requirements: