Senior Scientist I

Role Summary

Senior Scientist I in the Synaptic & Cellular Neurobiology Unit within the Neuroscience research department, responsible for designing, executing, and delivering preclinical research results across in vitro cellular models and in vivo animal models of disease in a collaborative, matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments to address key scientific questions. Use a variety of in vitro & in vivo model systems and techniques, in collaboration with other scientists in the Unit and across NS/BR, to generate decision-making datasets that advance drug discovery programs.
• Implementation and optimization of in vitro laboratory techniques (e.g., mouse & human neuronal cell culture, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence imaging, image analysis, biochemistry) while applying creative solutions to overcoming experimental challenges
• Conducting and analyzing experiments using a variety of in vivo rodent models and study paradigms (e.g., dosing, tissue collection, ex vivo analysis)
• Implementing techniques for surgical (e.g., intracranial & intracerebroventricular injections) and other routes of delivery (e.g., intravenous retro-orbital & tail vein) of drug candidates to mouse & rat CNS
• Analyze, summarize, and clearly present data to facilitate decision-making while keeping electronic laboratory notebook records up to date

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in neuroscience, cell biology, or a related field
• At the SS1 level, at least 4 years of relevant laboratory-based neuroscience research experience. At the SS2 level, at least 7 years of experience.
• Substantial experience with in vitro models (e.g., rodent primary neuronal culture) in neuroscience and running cell-based assays
• Proficiency with implementation and optimization of immunocytochemistry (e.g., antibody labeling, fluorescence microscopy, and at least intermediate-level image, data, & statistical analysis experience) and RNA (e.g., RT-qPCR) & protein expression (e.g., Western, JESS, ELISA, and/or MSD) -based readouts
• Proficiency with rodent in vivo experimentation, including stereotaxic brain surgery, central (e.g., adult intracranial injections) & peripheral (e.g., IV, RO, IP) dosing, and advanced necropsy techniques (e.g., brain/spinal cord microdissection & extraction, CSF collection)
• At the SS2 level, ability and willingness to propose novel experiments and directions to refine preclinical flowcharts & advance project strategy. Emerging scientific leader.
• A self-motivated and proactive attitude, with the ability & desire to multi-task; can plan ahead and follow through with completion of multiple, multi-part tasks over a range of timeframes to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as in a matrixed setting; team-oriented & collaborative mindset

Skills

• In vitro and in vivo neuroscience experimentation
• Immunocytochemistry, fluorescence imaging, image analysis
• RNA and protein expression readouts (RT-qPCR, Western, ELISA, MSD, etc.)
• Rodent surgical techniques and dosing paradigms
• Data analysis and clear data presentation

Education

• B.S. degree required; M.S. degree or equivalent preferred for certain qualifications

Additional Requirements

• Role will be hired at either Senior Scientist I or Senior Scientist II depending on experience/skills of candidate.