Scientist, Retinal Degeneration

Role Summary

Scientist, Retinal Degeneration based in Cambridge, MA. Conduct preclinical drug discovery research for retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Design and execute studies to validate therapeutic strategies and discover promising drug candidates, collaborating in cross-functional teams to prepare data packages to advance candidates toward clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and document research studies to validate therapeutic targets and discover preclinical drug candidates
• Develop and optimize molecular, biochemical, and cellular assays to assess disease processes, target activity, and biomarkers in models of retinal disease and degeneration
• Perform experiments using genetic, biologic, and small molecule perturbations to validate targets, evaluate therapeutic strategies, and assess the pharmacology and efficacy preclinical candidates
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to support target prioritization, preclinical candidate selection, and go/no-go decisions
• Actively contribute to interdisciplinary research projects in a highly collaborative and matrixed manner
• Prepare high-quality presentations and documentation to support project deliverables, publications, patent filings, and regulatory filings
• Effectively communicate findings internally and externally through presentation and publication

Qualifications

• Required: Earned Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, bioengineering or other relevant field and 6+ years of research experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting OR earned Master’s degree in biological sciences, bioengineering or other relevant field and 3+ years research experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting
• Required: Solid understanding of degenerative disease mechanisms; experience in retinal disease and degeneration or neurodegeneration research strongly preferred
• Required: Experience in drug development, preferably within the biopharmaceutical industry
• Required: Experience with a broad range of molecular, cellular, and biochemical methods and assay development
• Required: Extensive cell culture experience, including work with primary cells, iPSC-derived cells, or 3D in vitro models
• Required: Experience designing, executing, and interpreting in vitro experiments using genetic or pharmacologic approaches to assess gene and protein function, signaling pathway activity, and/or cellular processes
• Required: Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality documents including experimental protocols, SOPs, technical reports, and presentations
• Required: Track record of impactful contributions to research projects and scientific publications
• Preferred: Experience using computational tools (e.g., R, Python) to analyze data
• Preferred: Experience evaluating target engagement and efficacy of preclinical candidates
• Preferred: Experience developing high-throughput assays and using automated screening platforms and robotics
• Preferred: Experience with live-cell and high-content imaging and analyses
• Preferred: Experience authoring regulatory documents to support IND or CTA submissions

Skills

• Ability to work independently as well as part of cross-functional teams in a highly collaborative and matrixed environment
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build excellent working relationships
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, lab notebook practices, and attention to detail