Scientist, Discovery Biology
Denali Therapeutics
Summary
Advances Denali's oligonucleotide therapeutic pipeline by generating the in vivo and ex vivo evidence that guides candidate selection. Applies animal models, molecular and cellular assays, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies to validate targets, identify biomarkers, and inform therapeutic development. Partners with Preclinical Translational Sciences, Developmental Sciences, Safety, and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) scientists to move candidates through preclinical development. Delivers well-documented results that inform central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery and disease research decisions.
Job description
Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities:
- Design and execute in vivo and ex vivo studies that inform candidate progression, PK/PD modeling, and biomarker strategies
- Generate PK/PD data in preclinical models in partnership with Safety and DMPK scientists
- Perform molecular and biochemical assays, including RNA extraction, quantitative PCR, tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and ELISAs
- Troubleshoot technical issues to keep experiments on schedule
- Evaluate oligonucleotide therapeutic candidates in CNS tissue-based models
- Analyze and interpret experimental data and report quantitative results
- Document experiments completely in electronic lab notebooks
- Present experimental designs and study results to cross-functional teams and collaborators
- Apply emerging scientific literature and technologies in CNS drug delivery and disease research to study design
Qualifications/Skills:
- Typically requires a PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific field; or a Master's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience in academia or pharmaceutical discovery/translational research
- Hands-on proficiency in wet lab techniques (for example RNA extraction, quantitative PCR, tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and ELISAs)
- Experience with in vivo models and CNS tissue-based studies
- Strong scientific reasoning in experimental design and data analysis
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and adapt in a fast-paced research environment
Requirements
- PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific field; or a Master's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience in academia or pharmaceutical discovery/translational research
- Hands-on proficiency in wet lab techniques (RNA extraction, quantitative PCR, tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, microscopy, ELISAs)
- Experience with in vivo models and CNS tissue-based studies
- Strong scientific reasoning in experimental design and data analysis
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and adapt in a fast-paced research environment
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Healthcare coverage
- ESPP
Company overview
Denali Therapeutics is a pioneering biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for neurodegenerative and lysosomal storage diseases. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company has developed a proprietary TransportVehicle™ (TV) platform designed to enable biotherapeutics to cross the blood-brain barrier, addressing one of the most significant challenges in treating central nervous system disorders. Denali's pipeline includes promising candidates for conditions such as Hunter syndrome (MPS II), Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS IIIA), and MPS I, with several programs in advanced clinical development stages. The company collaborates with major pharmaceutical partners including Biogen and Sanofi, leveraging its platform technology to create a new class of barrier-crossing therapeutics. With approximately 500-1,000 employees and operations spanning multiple locations including Salt Lake City, Denali Therapeutics represents a leading force in neuroscience drug development, combining deep scientific expertise with a patient-centric approach to transform treatment paradigms for serious neurological conditions.