Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Gene Therapy

Role Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Gene Therapy will participate in conducting preclinical gene therapy programs at Neurocrine using AAV vectors. Working with collaboration partners and internal colleagues in Research, CMC, and Business Development, the candidate will participate in work on new and existing programs.

Responsibilities

• The primary role is to initiate and conduct a novel Gene Therapy research project
• Design and perform in vitro and in vivo studies in support of current and future Gene Therapy opportunities
• Prepare data summaries and present results to peers and colleagues at Neurocrine
• Be able to present data as appropriate at scientific meetings at the National and International level
• Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in biology, life sciences or related discipline, with experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry OR with prior non-industry postdoc experience
• Experience with the application of gene therapy methods to animal experimental disease models. This includes experience with viral (preferably AAV) and/or non-viral gene delivery for upregulation of gene expression, downregulation, genome-editing or delivery of genetic material via lipid nanoparticles
• Knowledge about AAV vector design, capsid/cargo, serotypes, promoters, enhancers
• Experience or exposure to neuro-endocrinology or metabolism research will be a plus
• General knowledge about the function of the central and autonomic nervous systems and gastrointestinal system
• Experience in advanced experimental technologies and their utilization in the drug discovery process
• Experience with primary neurons and iPSC-derived neurons, and their use in assay development a plus
• In vivo experience working with animal models of disease
• Excellent critical analysis skills
• Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects
• Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses intellectual mastery of one or more scientific areas
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability working with / recommending a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
• Ability to work as part of teams
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency