Scientist II, Cellular Neuroscience and Translational Pharmacology

Primary Responsibilities

Lead a rapid, tiered cellular assay strategy for small-molecule lead optimization, including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, concentration-response, duration, selectivity, neuronal phenotype, stress, and tolerability
Lead cellular development of a transferrin-based protein replacement project by establishing quantitative assays for construct uptake, internalization, intracellular trafficking, protein abundance and integrity, mitochondrial response, and disease-relevant phenotypic rescue
Use orthogonal methods to distinguish surface-bound, internalized, degraded, and functionally delivered protein; compare constructs and define advancement criteria
Establish fit-for-purpose neuronal culture models, including iPSC-derived neurons or glia where they add decision value, with appropriate banking and quality control
Define assay controls, acceptance criteria, reproducibility standards, analysis plans, SOPs, sample tracking, and electronic documentation
Translate data into concise recommendations to advance, modify, or discontinue assets
Partner across protein engineering, chemistry, bioanalysis, DMPK, pathology, computational biology, and in vivo pharmacology; scientifically manage CROs and assay transfers
Mentor junior scientists and build workflows that are reproducible across operators. Future scope may include ASO screening in partnership with external experts 

Required Skills and Qualifications

PhD in pharmacology, neuroscience, molecular biology, chemical biology, cell biology, or a related discipline, plus 1 to 3 years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience
Demonstrated experience in cellular pharmacology, assay development, and iterative drug discovery or lead optimization
Hands-on experience with neuronal cell culture models, preferably human iPSC-derived neurons or glia
Expertise in concentration-response, time-course, target-engagement, pharmacodynamic, quantitative data-analysis, and troubleshooting studies
Concrete examples of scientific ownership in which an assay, platform, or data package influenced a program decision
Excellent communication skills and willingness to maintain a substantial hands-on laboratory presence 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

Enzyme biology, epigenetics, or transcriptional pharmacology; therapeutic proteins or targeted-delivery constructs; cellular uptake, trafficking, or protein quantification; mitochondrial functional assays; high-content imaging or neuronal functional assays; transferrin receptor biology, BBB transport, or biodistribution; laboratory start-up, assay transfer, or CRO management
Exposure to ASO screening or RNA pharmacology is beneficial