Associate Scientist I, Neuroscience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 Primary duties/responsibilities:                                                                                                                                                           

• Under general supervision, design and execute experiments, then interpret and communicate results as a contributing member of multidisciplinary project teams.

• Apply relevant scientific principles and techniques to advance research objectives.

• Maintain thorough, accurate, and audit-ready laboratory notebooks in accordance with company standards.

• Stay current with state-of-the-art scientific principles, methodologies, and technologies relevant to the role.

• Independently troubleshoot experiments, including the design of appropriate controls and the generation of high-quality, interpretable data.

• Present experimental findings in internal forums and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and other publications produced by the project team.

• Contribute to the development of patent applications as appropriate.

• Adhere to all environmental, health, and safety requirements.

• Support general laboratory operations, including stockroom upkeep, supply ordering, and other duties as assigned.

• Specific duties may also include, but may not be limited to, the following:

  • Support target deconvolution studies using a broad range of methodologies, including flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blot, RT-qPCR, primary immune cell isolation, and cell culture and handling.

  • Execute weekly cell-based screening assays to support hit-to-lead optimization efforts for early-stage discovery programs.

  • Maintain multiple cell lines — including thawing, passaging, and seeding — to support in vitro screening activities.

  • Upload and report experimental data in a timely manner and proactively communicate any delays or workflow changes to cross-functional team members.

  • Contribute to the design and optimization of new assays intended to identify additional hits.

  • Profile selected compounds across additional cell types and tissues to further characterize their mechanism of action.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED                                          

• Demonstrated experience with multi-color flow cytometry and immunophenotyping of primary human cells.

• Hands-on mammalian tissue culture experience with excellent aseptic technique is required.

• Working knowledge of fundamental cell biology and molecular biology principles.

• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong time-management skills and the ability to balance competing priorities.

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.

* Minimum level of education and years of relevant work experience.                                                                                  

• Bachelor’s degree in a Biology scientific discipline, preferably Biology, Neuroscience or Immunology with a minimum of 4 years’ experience, OR, Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 1 years of relevant experience.

* Special knowledge or skills needed and/or licenses or certificates required.                                                                   

• Demonstrates strong technical proficiency and the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed environment comprising both internal and external stakeholders.

• Possesses a solid understanding of relevant scientific principles and concepts and maintains current awareness of pertinent scientific literature.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Exhibits effective verbal and written communication skills across technical and cross-functional audiences.

• Analytical thinker with sound problem-solving capabilities and the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.

• Strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills, including the ability to support and prioritize multiple concurrent projects.

*Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.

• Foundational understanding of the adaptive and innate immune systems, particularly as they pertain to inflammatory diseases of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

• Familiarity with the development and routine execution of reproducible, high-throughput assays.

• Proficiency with standard data analysis workflows, data visualization tools, and fundamental statistical analysis is highly valued.

• Working knowledge of, and hands-on proficiency with, standard molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology techniques.

• Demonstrated depth of expertise in assay optimization and troubleshooting is required.