Document:

EXHIBIT 10.11

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(the “Agreement”), is entered into as of September 14, 2016, with an effective date of September 26, 2016 (the
“Effective Date”), by and between Assembly Biosciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation with principal executive
offices at 11711 N. Meridian Street, Suite 310, Carmel, IN 46032 (the “Company”), and Miguel S. Barbosa, Ph.D.
(the “Executive”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires
to employ the Executive as Chief Scientific Officer – Microbiome as of the Effective Date, and the Executive desires to accept
employment by the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties desire
to enter into this Agreement, setting forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration
of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                 
Employment.

 

(a)                
Services. The Executive will be employed by the Company as its Chief Scientific Officer - Microbiome, reporting to
the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and shall perform such duties as are consistent with a position as Chief Scientific
Officer - Microbiome (the “Services”). The Executive agrees to perform such Services faithfully, to devote his
full working time, attention and energies to the business of the Company and, while he remains employed and subject to the terms
of this Agreement, not to engage in any other business activity that is in conflict with his duties and obligations to the Company.

 

(b)                
Acceptance. Executive hereby accepts such employment and agrees to render the Services.

 

2.                  
Term. The Executive's employment under this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue on
an “at-will” basis until terminated pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement (the “Term”).

 

3.                  
Best Efforts. The Executive shall devote his full business time, attention and energies to the business and affairs
of the Company and shall use his best efforts to advance the best interests of the Company and during the Term shall not be actively
engaged in any other business activity, whether or not such business activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage,
that will interfere with the performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder or the Executive’s availability to perform
such duties or that will adversely affect, or negatively reflect upon, the Company.

 

4.                  
Compensation. As full compensation for the performance by the Executive of his duties under this Agreement, the Company
shall pay the Executive as follows:

 

(a)                
Base Salary. Throughout the Term, the Company shall pay Executive an annual salary (the “Base Salary”)
equal to three hundred eighty thousand dollars ($380,000) per year. Payment shall be made in accordance with the Company’s
normal payroll practices. The Base Salary will be reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Board of Directors (the “Board”),
or a committee thereof, no less frequently than annually, and may be increased (but not decreased).

 

(b)                
Annual Milestone Bonus. At the sole discretion of the Board, the Executive may receive a discretionary annual bonus during
the Term (the “Annual Milestone Bonus”) in an amount up to thirty-five percent (35%) of his then current Base
Salary based on the attainment by the Executive of certain financial, clinical development and business milestones (the “Milestones”)
as established annually by the Board (or a committee thereof). Any Annual Milestone Bonus earned with respect to the 2016 fiscal
year will be prorated based upon the number of days you are employed in the 2016 fiscal year. The Annual Milestone Bonus shall
be payable either as a lump-sum payment or in installments as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, provided, however,
if the Board determines to pay the Executive in installments, such installments shall be no less frequently than monthly, and shall
be over a time period not to exceed four (4) months, unless otherwise agreed by the Executive in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Annual Milestone Bonus, if any, for a given year will be paid in full no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately
following the calendar year for which the Annual Milestone Bonus, if any, is earned.

  

    	 	 	 

     

    

  

(c)                
Living Expense, Commuting Assistance and Relocation Expense. Executive and the Company agree that Executive will focus the
majority of working efforts in the Company’s offices in San Francisco, California. The Company acknowledges and accepts that
the Executive’s current place of residence is located in Austin, Texas. For up to twelve months following the Effective Date,
the Company will reimburse or pay directly on behalf of the Executive up to $75,000 in cash, less all applicable withholdings and
deductions required by law and subject to reasonable documentation (the “Commuting Allowance Amounts”) for the
expenses incurred by the Executive to maintain a separate apartment in or near the San Francisco office and to assist with commuting
expenses to and from such offices; provided that this twelve month period may be extended with approval of the CEO. Executive
shall relocate his primary residence from the Austin, Texas area to the San Francisco, California area or such other location as
may be mutually agreed upon by the Company and Executive during the first twenty-four months of the Term (“Relocation
Period”). The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable and necessary documented relocation and moving expenses
incurred during the Relocation Period, including but not limited to reasonable and documented expenses incidental to the sale of
his primary residence in the Austin, Texas area and the purchase of his primary residence in the San Francisco, California area
(the “Relocation Expenses”). Such reimbursement shall be dependent upon Executive’s submission, within
thirty (30) days after such expenses are incurred, of documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company that evidences such expenses.
Reimbursement of the Relocation Expenses, if any, shall be made no later than forty-five (45) days after the Company’s receipt
of approved documentation. In no event shall the Company reimburse Executive for Relocation Expenses in excess of $100,000 Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that the Relocation Expenses will not be earned to any extent prior
to the first anniversary of the Effective Date and will only be earned on the first anniversary of the Effective Date if Executive
remains actively employed by the Company through such anniversary. In the event that Executive resigns his employment with the
Company on or prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, then Executive hereby agrees to repay in full to the Company
all Relocation Expenses for which he has been reimbursed, which such repayment shall occur no later than forty-five (45) days after
the date of Executive’s resignation of employment with the Company. Executive hereby authorizes the Company to immediately
offset against and reduce any amounts otherwise due to him for any amounts in respect of the obligation to repay the Relocation
Expenses.

 

(d)                
Withholding. The Company shall withhold all applicable federal, state and local taxes, social security and such other amounts
as may be required by law from all amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement, including Section 4.

 

(e)                
Equity. Subject to and upon approval by the Board, the Company will grant to the Executive an option to purchase 190,000
shares of common stock of the Company (the “Stock Options”). The Stock Options will be subject to vesting over
four years, and will otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s stock option plan and a stock option
agreement as approved by the Board setting forth the exercise price, vesting conditions and other restrictions. The Stock Options
and any subsequently granted equity or derivative securities will be collectively referred to in this Agreement as the “Equity
Awards.”

 

(f)                 
Expenses. The Company shall provide the Executive with a corporate credit card for business use, and shall reimburse the
Executive for all normal, usual and necessary expenses incurred by the Executive in furtherance of the business and affairs of
the Company, including reasonable travel and entertainment, upon timely receipt by the Company of appropriate vouchers or other
proof of the Executive’s expenditures and otherwise in accordance with any expense reimbursement policy as may from time
to time be adopted by the Company.

 

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(g)                
Other Benefits. The Executive shall be entitled to all rights and benefits for which he shall be eligible under any benefit
or other plans (including, without limitation, dental, medical, medical reimbursement and hospital plans, pension plans, employee
stock purchase plans, profit sharing plans, bonus plans and other so-called “Fringe Benefits”) as the Company
shall make available to its senior executives from time to time. In addition, if applicable, the Company shall reimburse the Executive
for his reasonable licensing fees, continuing professional education, and other professional dues. The Company shall also name
the Executive as a covered person under its Directors & Officers insurance policies.

 

(h)                
Vacation. In addition, you will be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy, as
in effect from time to time.

 

5.                  
Confidential Information and Inventions.

 

(a)                
The Executive recognizes and acknowledges that in the course of his duties he is likely to receive confidential or proprietary
information owned by the Company or third parties with whom the Company has an obligation of confidentiality, relating to and used
in the Company’s business (collectively, “Confidential and Proprietary Information”). Confidential and
Proprietary Information shall include, but shall not be limited to, confidential or proprietary scientific or technical information,
data, formulas and related concepts, business plans (both current and under development), client lists, promotion and marketing
programs, trade secrets, or any other confidential or proprietary business information relating to development programs, costs,
revenues, marketing, investments, sales activities, promotions, credit and financial data, manufacturing processes, financing methods,
plans or the business and affairs of the Company or of any affiliate, client or service provider of the Company, and any and all
information relating to the operation of the Company’s business which the Company may from time to time designate as confidential
or proprietary or that the Executive reasonably knows should be, or has been, treated by the Company as confidential or proprietary.
The Executive expressly acknowledges that the Confidential and Proprietary Information constitutes a protectable business interest
of the Company. The Executive further agrees that if any information that the Company deems to be a trade secret is found by a
court of competent jurisdiction not to be a trade secret, such information will, nevertheless, be considered Confidential and Proprietary
Information for purposes of this Agreement. Confidential and Proprietary Information does not include any information that: (i)
at the time of disclosure is generally known to, or readily ascertainable by, the public; (ii) becomes known to the public through
no fault of the Executive or other violation of this Agreement; or (iii) is disclosed to the Executive by a third party under no
obligation to maintain the confidentiality of the information. The Executive agrees, during and after the Term, except as reasonably
necessary for the fulfillment of his duties under this Agreement: (i) not to use any such Confidential and Proprietary Information
for himself or others; (ii) to keep confidential and not disclose or make accessible to any other person or entity any Confidential
and Proprietary Information; and (iii) not to take any Company Confidential and Proprietary Information (including but not limited
to writings, correspondence, notes, drafts, records, invoices, technical and business policies, computer programs or disks) from
the Company’s offices at any time. The Executive agrees to return immediately all Company material and reproductions (including
but not limited, to writings, correspondence, notes, drafts, records, invoices, technical and business policies,
computer programs or disks) thereof in his possession to the Company upon termination of employment, or at any time upon the Company’s
request.

 

(b)                
Except with prior written authorization by the Company, the Executive agrees not to disclose or publish any of the Confidential
and Proprietary Information, or any confidential, scientific, technical or business information of any other party to whom the
Company owes an obligation of confidence, at any time during or after his employment with the Company. The restrictions in this
Section 5(b) and in Section 5(a) above will not apply to any information that the Executive is required to disclose by law, provided
that the Executive (i) notifies the Company of the existence and terms of such obligation, (ii) gives the Company a reasonable
opportunity to seek a protective or similar order to prevent or limit such disclosure, and (iii) only discloses that information
actually required to be disclosed.

 

(c)                
The Executive agrees that all inventions, discoveries, improvements and patentable or copyrightable works (“Inventions”)
initiated, conceived or made by him, either alone or in conjunction with others, during the course of his employment by the Company
or that result from work performed by the Executive for the Company, shall be the sole property of the Company to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law and, to the extent permitted by law, shall be “works made for hire” as that term is defined
in the United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C.A., Section 101). The Company shall be the sole owner of all patents, copyrights,
trade secret rights, and other intellectual property or other rights in connection therewith. The Executive hereby assigns to the
Company all right, title and interest he may have or acquire in all such Inventions; provided, however, that the Board may
in its sole discretion agree to waive the Company’s rights pursuant to this Section 5(c) with respect to any Invention that
is not directly or indirectly related to the Company’s business. The Executive further agrees to assist the Company in every
proper way (but at the Company’s expense) to obtain and from time to time enforce patents, copyrights or other rights on
such Inventions in any and all countries, and to that end the Executive will execute all documents necessary:

 

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(i)                  
to apply for, obtain and vest in the name of the Company alone (unless the Company otherwise directs) letters patent, copyrights
or other analogous protection in any country throughout the world and when so obtained or vested to renew and restore the same;
and

 

(ii)                
to defend any opposition proceedings in respect of such applications and any opposition proceedings or petitions or applications
for revocation of such letters patent, copyright or other analogous protection.

 

To the extent this Agreement
is required to be construed in accordance with the laws of any state which precludes a requirement to assign certain classes of
inventions made by an employee, this Section 5 will be interpreted not to apply to any invention which a court rules and/or the
Company agrees falls within such classes. As required pursuant to Section 2872 of the California Labor Code, Executive acknowledges
that the Company has notified the Executive that the provisions of this Section 5 do not apply to an invention which qualified
fully under the provisions of Section 2870 of the California Labor Code.

 

(d)                
The Executive acknowledges that, while performing the services under this Agreement the Executive may locate, identify and/or evaluate
patented or patentable inventions having commercial potential in the fields of pharmacy, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare,
technology and other fields which may be of potential interest to the Company (the “Third-Party Inventions”).
The Executive understands, acknowledges and agrees that all rights to, interests in or opportunities regarding, all Third-Party
Inventions identified by the Company or its affiliates or either of the foregoing Persons’ officers, directors, employees
(including the Executive), agents or consultants during the Term shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company
or such affiliate and the Executive shall have no rights whatsoever to such Third-Party Inventions and will not pursue for himself
or for others any transaction relating to the Third-Party Inventions which is not on behalf of the Company.

 

(e)                
The provisions of this Section 5 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

6.                   Non-Solicitation.
The Executive understands and recognizes that his services to the Company are special and unique and that in the course of
performing such services the Executive will have access to and knowledge of Confidential and Proprietary Information (as
defined in Section 5) and will become knowledgeable of and familiar with the Company’s customers and service
providers as well as the Company’s business. The Executive acknowledges that, due to the unique nature of the
Company’s business, the loss of any of its clients, service providers or business flow or the improper use of its
Confidential and Proprietary Information could create significant instability and cause substantial damage to the Company and
therefore the Company has a strong legitimate business interest in protecting the continuity of its business interests and
the restrictions herein agreed to by the Executive narrowly and fairly serve such an important and critical business interest
of the Company. Therefore, the Executive covenants and agrees as follows:

 

(a)                
Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings given to such terms below:

 

(i)                  “Company
Employee” means (A) any person who is an employee of the Company at the time of the date of the Executive’s termination
of employment, and (B) any person who was an employee of the Company during the six (6) month period prior to, the termination
of the Executive’s employment.

 

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(ii)                “Person”
means any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, corporation or other business entity.

 

(iii)               “Restricted
Period” means the period commencing on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment and ending twelve
(12) months thereafter, provided, however, that this period will be tolled and will not run during any time Executive is
in violation of this Section 6, it being the intent of the parties that the Restricted Period will be extended for any period of
time in which the Executive is in violation of this Section 6.

 

(b)                
Non-Solicitation. During his employment with the Company and during the Restricted Period, the Executive will not,
directly or indirectly, on the Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any other Person, solicit, induce, or attempt to solicit
or induce any Company Employee or any independent contractor (who is then engaged by the Company or was engaged by the Company
in the prior six (6) months) to terminate his or her employment or engagement with the Company or to accept employment or engagement
with any Person.

 

(c)                
Enforcement. In the event that the Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provisions of Section 5 or this Section
6, then the Company will suffer irreparable harm and monetary damages would be inadequate to compensate the Company. Accordingly,
in addition to any other rights which the Company may have, the Company shall (i) be entitled, without the posting of bond or other
security, to seek injunctive relief to enforce the restrictions contained in such Sections and (ii) have the right to require the
Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments and other benefits
(collectively “Benefits”) derived or received by the Executive as a result of any transaction constituting a
breach of any of the provisions of Sections 5 or 6, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

(d)                
Reasonableness and Severability. Each of the rights and remedies enumerated in Section 6(c) shall be independent of the
others and shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights and remedies available to the Company at law or in equity.
The Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that the covenants provided for pursuant to Section 6 are essential elements of Executive’s
employment by the Company and are reasonable with respect to their duration, geographic area and scope and in all other respects.
If, at the time of enforcement of this Section 6, a court of competent jurisdiction holds that the restrictions stated herein are
unreasonable under the circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or geographic area
legally permissible under such circumstances will be substituted for the duration, scope or area stated herein. If any of the covenants
contained in this Section 6, or any part of any of them, is hereafter construed or adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable,
the same shall not affect the remainder of the covenant or covenants or rights or remedies which shall be given full effect without
regard to the invalid portions. No such holding of invalidity or unenforceability in one jurisdiction shall bar or in any way affect
the Company’s right to the relief provided in this Section 6 or otherwise in the courts of any other state or jurisdiction
within the geographical scope of such covenants as to breaches of such covenants in such other respective states or jurisdictions,
such covenants being, for this purpose, severable into diverse and independent covenants.

 

(e)                
Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016. The Executive understands that pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016,
the Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of
a trade secret that (i) is made (x) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly,
or to an attorney; and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in
a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

(f)                 
Protected Disclosures. The Executive understands that nothing contained in this Agreement limits the Executive’s ability
to communicate with any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission, including to provide documents or other information,
without notice to the Company. The Executive also understands that nothing in this Agreement limits the Executive’s ability
to share compensation information concerning the Executive or others, except that this does not permit the Executive to disclose
compensation information concerning others that the Executive obtain because the Executive’s job responsibilities require
or allow access to such information.

 

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(g)                
Remedies. In the event that an actual proceeding is brought in equity to enforce the provisions of Section 5 or this Section
6, the Executive shall not urge as a defense that there is an adequate remedy at law nor shall the Company be prevented from seeking
any other remedies which may be available. The Executive agrees that he shall not raise in any proceeding brought to enforce the
provisions of Section 5 or this Section 6 that the covenants contained in such Sections limit his ability to earn a living.

 

(h)                
Survival. The provisions of Section 6 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

7.                  
Representations and Warranties.

 

(a)                
The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

(i)                  
Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by the Executive of his duties and other obligations hereunder
violate or will violate any statute, law, determination or award, or conflict with or constitute a default or breach of any covenant
or obligation under (whether immediately, upon the giving of notice or lapse of time or both) any prior employment agreement, contract,
or other instrument to which the Executive is a party or by which he is bound.

 

(ii)                
The Executive has the full right, power and legal capacity to enter and deliver this Agreement and to perform his duties and other
obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Executive enforceable against
him in accordance with its terms. No approvals or consents of any persons or entities are required for the Executive to execute
and deliver this Agreement or perform his duties and other obligations hereunder.

 

(b)                
The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Executive that this Agreement and the employment of the Executive hereunder have
been duly authorized by and on behalf of the Company, including, without limitation, by all required action by the Board.

 

8.                  
Termination. The Executive’s employment hereunder shall be terminated immediately upon the Executive’s death
and may be otherwise terminated as follows:

 

(a)                
The Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause. Any of the following actions by the Executive
shall constitute “Cause”:

 

(i)                  
The willful failure, disregard or continuing refusal by the Executive to perform his duties hereunder;

 

(ii)                
Any act of willful or intentional misconduct, or a grossly negligent act by the Executive having the effect of injuring, in a material
way (as determined in good-faith by the Company), the business or reputation of the Company, including but not limited to, any
officer, director, or executive of the Company;

 

(iii)               
Willful misconduct by the Executive in carrying out his duties or obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation,
insubordination with respect to lawful directions received by the Executive from the Chief Executive Officer or from the Board;

 

(iv)              
The Executive’s indictment of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (including entry of a nolo contendere
plea);

 

(v)                
The determination by the Company, based upon clear and convincing evidence, after a reasonable and good-faith investigation by
the Company following a written allegation by another employee of the Company, that the Executive engaged in some form of harassment
prohibited by law (including, without limitation, age, sex or race discrimination), unless the Executive’s actions were specifically
directed by the Board;

 

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(vi)              
Any intentional misappropriation of the property of the Company, or embezzlement of its funds or assets (whether or not a misdemeanor
or felony);

 

(vii)             
Breach by the Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 5, 6, or 7 of this Agreement; and

 

(viii)           
Breach by the Executive of any provision of this Agreement other than those contained in Sections 5, 6, or 7 which is not cured
by the Executive within thirty (30) business days after notice thereof is given to the Executive by the Company.

 

(b)                
The Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Board due to the Executive’s Disability. For purposes
of this Agreement, a termination for “Disability” shall occur (i) when the Board has provided a written termination
notice to the Executive supported by a written statement from a reputable independent physician mutually selected by the Company
and the Executive, or the Executive’s legal representatives in the event he is unable to make such selection due to mental
incapacity, to the effect that the Executive shall have become so physically or mentally incapacitated as to be unable to resume,
even with reasonable accommodation as may be required under the Americans With Disabilities Act, within the ensuing twelve (12)
months, his employment hereunder by reason of physical or mental illness or injury, or (ii) upon rendering of a written termination
notice by the Company after the Executive has been unable to substantially perform his duties hereunder, even with reasonable accommodation
as may be required under the Americans With Disabilities Act, for one hundred twenty (120) or more consecutive days, or more than
one hundred eighty (180) days in any consecutive twelve month period, by reason of any physical or mental illness or injury. For
purposes of this Section 8(b), the Executive agrees to make himself available and to cooperate in any reasonable examination by
a reputable independent physician mutually selected by the Company and the Executive, and paid for by the Company. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing herein shall give the Company the right to terminate the Executive prior to discharging its obligations
to the Executive, if any, under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, or any other applicable
law. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for his actual cost of maintaining a supplementary long-term disability insurance
policy during the Term up to a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 per year.

 

(c)                
The Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company (or its successor) by written notice to the Executive
upon the occurrence of a Change of Control. For purposes of this Agreement, “Change of Control” means (i) the
acquisition, directly or indirectly, following the Effective Date by any person (as such term is defined in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, of securities of the
Company representing in excess of fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding
securities if such person or his or its affiliate(s) do not own in excess of 50% of such voting power on the Effective Date of
this Agreement, or (ii) the future disposition by the Company (whether direct or indirect, by sale of assets or stock, merger,
consolidation or otherwise) of all or substantially all of its business and/or assets in one transaction or series of related transactions
other than a merger (1) effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company or (2) effected for the purpose
of obtaining a public listing and/or publicly traded securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Change in Control does not
constitute a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets
of the Company, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the
amount of cash severance payable pursuant to Section 9(b), if any, shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s
then payroll practice over a 18-month period. Solely for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each installment payment is considered
a separate payment.

 

(d)                
The Executive’s employment hereunder may be voluntarily terminated by the Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this
Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following: (i) any material reduction by the Company of the Executive’s
duties, responsibilities, or authority which causes his position with the Company to become of less responsibility or authority
than his position immediately following the Effective Date; (ii) any material reduction by the Company of the Executive’s
compensation or benefits payable hereunder (it being understood that a reduction of benefits applicable to all employees of the
Company, including the Executive, shall not be deemed a reduction of the Executive’s compensation package for purposes of
this definition); (iii) any requirement by the Company, without the Executive’s prior written consent, that the Executive
locate the Executive’s residence or primary place of employment to a location outside a 30-mile radius of such location mutually
agreed upon between the Company and the Executive as of the Effective Date, or such other location that the Company and the Executive
may mutually agree upon and designate from time to time during the Term; or (iv) a material breach by the Company of Section 7(b)
of this Agreement which is not cured by the Company within 30 days after written notice thereof is given to the Company by the
Executive. However, notwithstanding the above, Good Reason shall not exist unless: (x) the Executive notifies the Board within
ninety (90) days of the initial existence of one of the adverse events described above, and (y) the Company fails to correct the
adverse event within thirty (30) days of such notice, and (z) the Executive’s voluntary termination because of the existence
of one or more of the adverse events described above occurs within 24 months of the initial existence of the event.

 

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(e)                
The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company without Cause by delivery of written notice to the Executive
effective the date of delivery of such notice.

 

(f)                 
The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive in the absence of Good Reason by delivery of written notice
to the Company effective fifteen (15) days after the date of delivery of such notice.

 

9.                  
Compensation upon Termination.

 

(a)                
Accrued Benefits. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment by either party regardless of the cause or reason,
the Executive shall be entitled to the following, referred to herein as the “Accrued Benefits”: (i) payment
for any accrued, unpaid Base Salary through the termination date; (ii) if provided for under the Company’s vacation plan
or policy or required by applicable law, payment for any accrued, unused vacation days through the termination date; and (iii)
reimbursement for any approved business expenses that the Executive has timely submitted for reimbursement in accordance with the
Company’s business expense reimbursement policy or practice. Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Agreement, the
Company shall have no further payment obligations to the Executive and all Equity Awards that have not vested as of the date of
termination shall be forfeited to the Company as of such date. Subject to this Section 9, Stock Options that have vested as of
the Executive’s termination shall remain exercisable for 90 days following such termination.

 

(b)                
Change of Control Severance. If during the Term a Change of Control occurs and if during the six (6) month period immediately
following such Change of Control the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section
8(e) or by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 8(d), provided that the Executive signs and does not revoke
a general release of claims against the Company within the time period specified therein (which time period shall not exceed sixty
(60) days), in form and substance satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”), and provided further that
such termination is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h), then
the Company shall provide the following benefits to the Executive, referred to herein as the “Change of Control Separation
Benefits”: (i) a lump sum payment equal to eighteen (18) months of the Executive’s then-current Base Salary (less
applicable taxes and withholdings); (ii) the full Annual Milestone Bonus (items (i) and (ii) being the “Change of Control
Separation Pay”); (iii) immediate vesting in full of all Equity Awards; (iv) extension of the exercise period for all
Stock Options to the end of their term; and (v) if the Executive properly and timely elects to continue his health insurance benefits
under COBRA or applicable state continuation coverage after the date of termination, reimbursement for the Executive’s applicable
health continuation coverage premiums for the lesser of (A) the eighteen (18) month period following the month in which the Executive’s
termination date occurs, or (B) the maximum period permitted by applicable law, provided that the Company’s obligation
to pay a portion of the Executive’s health continuation coverage premiums will terminate if he becomes eligible for insurance
benefits from another employer during the reimbursement period. The Change of Control Separation Pay will be paid within sixty
(60) days after the termination date.

 

(c)                
Other Severance Benefits. If the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term as a result of the Executive’s
Disability pursuant to Section 8(b), by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 8(e), or by the Executive for Good Reason
pursuant to Section 8(d), provided that the Executive signs and does not revoke the Release within the time period specified
therein (which time period shall not exceed sixty (60) days), and provided further that such termination is a “separation
from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h), then the Company shall provide the following
benefits to the Executive, referred to herein as the “Separation Benefits”: (i) the continued payment in installments
of the Executive’s then-current Base Salary (less applicable taxes and withholdings) for a period of twelve (12) months following
the date of termination (the “Separation Pay”); (ii) all Equity Awards which would have become vested during
the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall accelerate and vest; (iii) the extension of the exercise period for
all vested Stock Options to the end of their term; and (iv) provided that the Executive properly and timely elects to continue
his health insurance benefits under COBRA or applicable state continuation coverage after the date of termination, reimbursement
for the Executive’s applicable health care continuation coverage premiums for the lesser of (A) the twelve (12) month period
following the month in which the termination date occurs, or (B) the maximum period permitted by applicable law, provided
that the Company’s obligation to pay a portion of the Executive’s health continuation coverage premiums will terminate
if he becomes eligible for insurance benefits from another employer during the reimbursement period. The first installment of the
Separation Pay will be paid on the Company’s first regular payday occurring sixty (60) days after the termination date in
an amount equal to the sum of payments of Base Salary that would have been paid if he had remained in employment for the period
from the termination date through the payment date. The remaining installments will be paid until the end of the 12-month period
at the same rate as the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices for its employees. the Executive
understands that if he is eligible to receive the Separation Benefits, such Separation Benefits shall be in lieu of and not in
addition to any other severance benefits otherwise provided for herein, including the severance benefits described in Section 9(b)
of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive is entitled to receive the Separation Benefits but violates
any provisions of this Agreement or any other agreement entered into by the Executive and the Company after termination of employment,
the Company will be entitled to immediately stop paying any further installments of the Separation Benefits. If the Executive’s
employment is terminated during the Term as a result of the Executive’s death, then the Company shall provide to the Executive’s
estate the continued payment of Executive’s then-current Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months following the date
of termination, beginning on the Company’s first regular payday following the date of such termination.

 

    	 	 8	 

     

    

  

(d)                
This Section 9 sets forth the only obligations of the Company with respect to the termination of the Executive’s employment
with the Company, except as otherwise required by law, and the Executive acknowledges that, upon the termination of his employment,
he shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits which are not explicitly provided in Section 9.

 

(e)                
Upon termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder for any reason, if requested by the Board, the Executive shall be
deemed to have resigned as director and or officer of the Company, to the extent applicable, effective as of the date of such termination.

 

(f)                 
The provisions of this Section 9 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

10.               
409A Restrictions. The intent of the parties to this Agreement is that the payments, compensation and benefits under this
Agreement be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and
guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”) and, in this connection, the following shall
be applicable:

 

(a)                
To the greatest extent possible, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be exempt or in compliance with Section 409A.

 

(b)                
If any severance, compensation, or benefit required by this Agreement is to be paid in a series of installment payments, each individual
payment in the series shall be considered a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A.

 

(c)                
If any severance, compensation, or benefit required by this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation”
within the meaning of Section 409A is considered to be paid on account of “separation from service” within the meaning
of Section 409A, and the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, no payments of any
of such severance, compensation, or benefit shall be made for six (6) months plus one (1) day after such separation from service
(the “New Payment Date”). The aggregate of any such payments that would have otherwise been paid during the
period between the date of separation from service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum payment
on the New Payment Date. Thereafter, any severance, compensation, or benefit required by this Agreement that remains outstanding
as of the day immediately following the New Payment Date shall be paid without delay over the time period originally scheduled,
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

    	 	 9	 

     

    

 

(d)                
The provisions of this Section 10 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

11.               
Miscellaneous.

 

(a)                
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Indiana, without
giving effect to its principles of conflicts of laws.

 

(b)                
In the event of any dispute arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement or the breach thereof (other than Sections 5 or 6 hereof),
or regarding the interpretation thereof, the parties agree to submit any differences to nonbinding mediation prior to pursuing
resolution through the courts. The parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Marion County, Indiana,
or the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, and agree that service of process in such court proceedings
shall be satisfactorily made upon each other if sent by registered mail addressed to the recipient at the address referred to in
Section 11(g) below.

 

(c)                
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective heirs, legal representatives,
successors and permitted assigns.

 

(d)                
This Agreement, and the Executive’s rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by the Executive. The rights and
obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns
of the Company, including any successors or assigns in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially
all of its business or assets.

 

(e)                
This Agreement cannot be amended orally, or by any course of conduct or dealing, but only by a written agreement signed by the
parties hereto.

 

(f)                 
The failure of either party to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement
shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of future compliance therewith, and such terms, conditions and provisions
shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement on the part of either party shall be
effective for any purpose whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing and signed by such party.

 

(g)                
All notices, requests, consents and other communications, required or permitted to be given hereunder, shall be in writing and
shall be delivered personally or by an overnight courier service or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return
receipt requested, to the parties at the addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, and shall be deemed given when
so delivered personally or by overnight courier, or, if mailed, five days after the date of deposit in the United States mail.
Either party may designate another address, for receipt of notices hereunder by giving notice to the other party in accordance
with this Section 11(g).

 

(h)                
This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes
all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings, written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof. No representation,
promise or inducement has been made by either party that is not embodied in this Agreement, and neither party shall be bound by
or liable for any alleged representation, promise or inducement not so set forth.

 

(i)                  
As used in this Agreement, “affiliate” of a specified person or entity shall mean and include any person or
entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the specified person or entity.

 

(j)                 
The section headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation
of this Agreement.

 

(k)                
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
– Signature Page Follows]

 

    	 	 10	 

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the parties hereto have executed this Agreement and intend it to be effective as of the Effective Date by proper person thereunto
duly authorized.

  

	 	ASSEMBLY BIOSCIENCES, INC.
	 	 	 
	 	By: 	/s/ Derek Small
	 	Name:   	Derek Small
	 	Title:	Chief Executive Officer and President
	 	 	 
	 	EXECUTIVE
	 	 	 
	 	/s/ Miguel S. Barbosa, Ph.D
	 	Name: 	Miguel S. Barbosa, Ph.DEXHIBIT 10.12

 

January 9, 2016

 

VIA EMAIL

 

Thomas E. Rollins

xxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxx

xxxxxx, xx xxxxx

 

Re: Employment Terms

Dear Tom,

 

On behalf of Assembly
Biosciences, Inc. (" Assembly" or the " Company"), we are pleased to offer employment to you
on the following terms: 

1.          Position:
Your initial title will be Chief Development Officer and Head of Microbiome Program and you will initially report to the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). This is a full-time position. You will perform the duties of Chief Development Officer
and Head of Microbiome Program faithfully. You will devote your full working time, attention and energies to the business of the
Company. You acknowledge that the Company has offices in New York City, Indiana and San Francisco, California and, notwithstanding
where you live, you agree to travel to the Company’s offices and such other locations as deemed necessary and appropriate
by the Company to perform your duties for the Company. You understand that as the Company’s Head of Microbiome Program your
relocation may be required to best serve this program. While the Company would not ask you to relocate prior to 2017, you understand
that it is an issue we may discuss with you at some point. The Company would of course pay all reasonable expenses incurred by
you in connection with any such relocation, subject to submitting supporting documentation. While you render services to the Company,
you will not engage in any other employment, consulting or other business activity (whether full-time or part-time), without prior
written consent from the CEO. For avoidance of doubt, you may serve on the boards of charitable, educational and other non-profit
organizations so long as they don’t interfere with your work. By signing this letter agreement, you confirm to the Company
that you have no contractual commitments or other legal obligations that would prohibit you from performing your duties for the
Company.

 

2.          Start
Date: Unless otherwise agreed, your first day of employment will be January 11, 2016.

 

3.          Salary:
The Company will pay you a starting salary at the rate of $360,000.00 per year (your “Base Salary”), payable in accordance
with the Company’s standard payroll schedule. This salary will be subject to adjustment pursuant to the Company’s employee
compensation policies in effect from time to time.

 

4.          Bonuses:
You will be eligible to receive annual performance bonuses of up to 35% of your Base Salary. The actual bonus is discretionary
and will be subject to the assessment of your performance, as well as business conditions at the Company as determined by the Company’s
Board of Directors (the “Board”) or the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion. No bonus is earned until paid.
To the extent the Company decides to award you a bonus, such bonus will be paid to you no later than two and one-half (22) months
following the end of the calendar year in which such bonus was earned.

 

5.          Benefits:
As a regular employee of the Company, you will be eligible to participate in a number of Company-sponsored benefits. In addition,
you will be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy, as in effect from time to time.

 

6.          Stock
Options: Subject to the approval of the Board or its Compensation Committee, you will be granted an option to purchase 125,000
shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The exercise price per share will be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee
when the option is granted and will be equal to at least the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock as of the date
of grant. The option will be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to options granted under the Company’s 2010 Stock
Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as described in the Plan and the applicable stock option agreement. The option will vest
and become exercisable in four equal annual installments of 1/4 of the underlying shares of Common Stock on each anniversary of
your employment start date with the Company, such that all shares of Common Stock underlying the option will be vested and exercisable
on the date four (4) years after your employment start date, subject to your continued employment with the Company through each
applicable vesting date.

 

7.          Separation
Benefits. Except as provided at the end of this paragraph, in the event you are terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined
below) provided that you sign and do not revoke a Release Agreement in a form provided by the Company within the time period specified
therein (which time period shall not exceed sixty (60) days), the Company shall provide the following benefits to you, referred
to herein as the “Separation Benefits”: (i) the continued payment in installments of yours then-current Base Salary
(less applicable taxes and withholdings) for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination (the “Separation
Pay”) (unless the termination date occurs upon a Change in Control (as defined in Section 409A (as defined below)) or within
the six month period thereafter, in which case the Separation Pay shall include an amount equal to the annual bonus at target and
shall be paid in a lump sum within 60 days of the date of termination); (ii) all Equity Awards which would have become vested during
the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall accelerate and vest (unless termination date occurs within the six
month period after a Change in Control, in which case all of the time–based Equity Awards will become immediately vested);
(iii) the extension of the exercise period for all vested Stock Options to the end of their term; and (iv) provided that you properly
and timely elect to continue your health insurance benefits under COBRA or applicable state continuation coverage after the date
of termination, reimbursement for your applicable health care continuation coverage premiums for the lesser of (A) the twelve (12)
month period following the month in which the termination date occurs, or (B) the maximum period permitted by applicable law, provided
that the Company’s obligation to pay a portion of your health continuation coverage premiums will terminate if you become
eligible for insurance benefits from another employer during the reimbursement period. Except as noted above, the Separation Pay
will be paid in installments until the end of the 12-month period at the same rate as the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s
normal payroll practices for its employees. You understand that if you are eligible to receive the Separation Benefits, such Separation
Benefits shall be in lieu of and not in addition to any other severance benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you are entitled
to receive the Separation Benefits but you violate any provisions of this Agreement or any other agreement entered into by you
and the Company, the Company will be entitled to immediately stop paying any further installments of the Separation Benefits. Notwithstanding
anything in this paragraph to the contrary, if the Company makes the determination that it is in the best interest of the Company
or its Microbiome Program for you to relocate and you decide that you are unwilling to relocate, in lieu of the Separation Benefit
provided above, the Company and you will negotiate in good faith a reasonable modified “separation benefit” that provides
for less Separation Pay and less vesting of options than provided above.

 

     

     

    

 

“Cause””
shall mean (i) your conviction of (A) a felony or (B) any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud; (ii)
your gross negligence, willful misconduct or insubordination with respect to the Company or any affiliate of the Company; or (iii)
your material violation of any provision of any agreement(s) between you and the Company including relating to noncompetition,
nonsolicitation, nondisclosure and/or assignment of inventions, which, if curable, such violation is not cured within thirty (30)
calendar days following delivery of written notice to you specifying in reasonable detail key elements of such violation.

 

8.          Proprietary
Information and Inventions Agreement. Like all Company employees, you will be required, as a condition of your employment with
the Company, to sign the Company’s standard Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, a copy of which is attached
hereto as Exhibit A. Additionally, as a Company employee, you will be expected to abide by Company rules and regulations, sign
and comply with the Company Insider Trading Policy and, acknowledge in writing that you have read the Company’s Employee
Handbook.

 

9.          Representation
Regarding Other Obligations: This offer is conditioned on your representation that you are not subject to any confidentiality,
non-competition agreement or any other similar type of restriction that may affect your ability to devote your full business time
and attention to your work at the Company. If you have entered into any agreement that may restrict your activities on behalf of
the Company, please provide me with a copy of the agreement as soon as possible. The Company reserves the right to rescind this
offer should it determine that any such restriction poses a legal risk to the Company. Additionally, please understand it is the
policy of the Company not to solicit or accept proprietary information and / or trade secrets of other companies or third parties.
If you have or have had access to trade secrets or other confidential, proprietary information from your former employer or another
third party, the use of such information in performing your duties at the Company is prohibited. This may include, but is not limited
to, confidential or proprietary information in the form of documents, magnetic media, software, customer lists, and business plans
or strategies. Rather, you will be expected to use only that information which is generally known and used by persons with training
and experience comparable to your own, which is common knowledge in the industry or otherwise legally in the public domain, or
which is otherwise provided or developed by the Company. During our discussions about your proposed job duties, you assured us
that you would be able to perform those duties within the guidelines just described.

 

10.         Employment
Relationship. Employment with the Company is for no specific period of time. Your employment with the Company will be “at
will,” meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without
cause. Any contrary representations that may have been made to you are superseded by this letter agreement. This is the full and
complete agreement between you and the Company on this term. Although your job duties, title, reporting relationship, compensation
and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the “at will”
nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the
Company (other than you).

 

11.         Taxes.
All forms of compensation referred to in this letter agreement are subject to reduction to reflect applicable withholding and payroll
taxes and other deductions required by law. You agree that the Company does not have a duty to design its compensation policies
in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities, and you will not make any claim against the Company or its Board of Directors
related to tax liabilities arising from your compensation.

 

12.         Section
409A. For purposes of this letter agreement, a termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating
to a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder (“Section
409A”). Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this letter agreement in
connection with your termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and you are deemed at
the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment shall
not be made or commence until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 6- month period measured from your separation from service
from the Company or (ii) the date of your death following such a separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral
shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to you including, without limitation, the additional
tax for which you would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral. To the extent that any
provision of this letter agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, the provision will be read in such a manner
so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this letter agreement are intended to constitute
separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
to the extent any expense reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit under this letter agreement is determined to be
subject to Section 409A of the Code, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in- kind
benefit, in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except for any
lifetime or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses), in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the
last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which you incurred such expenses, and in no event shall any right
to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this letter agreement, if the Change in Control does not constitute a change in the ownership or effective
control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, within the meaning of Section
409A, the amount of cash Separation Pay, if any, shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s then
payroll practice over a 12-month period. Solely for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each installment payment is considered
a separate payment.

 

     

     

    

 

13.         Interpretation,
Amendment and Enforcement. This letter agreement and Exhibit A constitute the complete agreement between you and the Company, contain
all of the terms of your employment with the Company and supersede any prior agreements, representations or understandings (whether
written, oral or implied) between you and the Company. This letter agreement may not be amended or modified, except by an express
written agreement signed by both you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. The terms of this letter agreement and the resolution
of any disputes as to the meaning, effect, performance or validity of this letter agreement or arising out of, related to, or in
any way connected with, this letter agreement, your employment with the Company or any other relationship between you and the Company
will be governed by Indiana law, excluding laws relating to conflicts or choice of law.

 

We hope that you will
accept our offer to join the Company. You may indicate your agreement with these terms and accept this offer by signing and dating
both the enclosed duplicate original of this letter agreement and the enclosed Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement
and returning them to me. This offer, if not accepted, will expire at the close of business on January 11, 2016. As required by
law, your employment with the Company is contingent upon your providing legal proof of your identity and authorization to work
in the United States.

 

Sincerely,

 

	/s/ Derek Small	 
	Derek Small
	Chief Executive Officer

 

I have read and accept this employment offer:

 

	/s/ Thomas E. Rollins	 

Signature of Thomas E. Rollins Dated:
January  9, 2016 Attachment

Exhibit A: Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement

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