Scientist I (Genetic & Neurodevelopmental Research Unit)

Job Description

The primary role of the Scientist I will be to drive and advance early to late pre-clinical research for drug discovery programs in the Genetic & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Unit.This includes serving as a program lead, sitting on study teams, execution of research on drug candidates, and presenting updates and plans to the broader research community.

• Responsible for drafting and executing research plans and contributing biology expertise to programs and teams.
• Lead study efforts (e.g. study and protocol design, planning and execution). Analyze and interpret results and recommend action based on study results.
• Supervise and train junior scientists to develop study designs assays
• Diligently stay abreast of literature and external activities relevant to program-relevant biology. Maintain knowledge of drug modalities, methods, and innovations. Attend and present at relevant conferences.

Qualifications

• Requires PhD and 2-3 years post-doctoral or industry experience
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of 1) neurodevelopment, molecular biology, and developmental biology 2) rigorous experimental design; and 3) quantitative and statistical analysis
• Ability to generate research strategies, design experimental studies, and communicate findings to the broader multi-disciplinary research team
• Experience with both in vitro iPSC differentiated cell culture in vivo disease modeling
• Extensive molecular and cell biology skills (ddPCR, qPCR, RNA-Seq, ELISA, MSD, IP, Western, cloning, imaging by IF/IHC).
• Experience with gene transfer or gene editing (AAV, CRISPR, promoter/codon optimization)
• Experience with gene therapy and/or immune response to gene therapy preferred but not required
• Highly organized and goal oriented
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective interactions in various environments including, but not limited to multidisciplinary teams, scientific symposia, advisory boards

Additional Information

The Scientist Iopportunity will allow the candidate to integrate knowledge of genetic data, disease biology, molecular mechanisms, and innovative methods to devise a research plan with the goal of developing and testing the efficacy of drug candidates for genetic and neurodevelopmental disorders.