Senior Scientist – In Vitro Neuroimmunology

Working in this lab-based position, your primary role will be design and execute in vitro experiments including establishing and characterizing cell-based model systems with a focus on induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC) models. This role will serve as a scientific leader supporting both established and emerging therapeutic discovery programs through the application of advanced in vitro disease modeling and translational research approaches.

Responsibilities

• Developing, executing, and troubleshooting new cell-based assays, protocols, and analysis methods.
• Design and lead complex experimental programs, interpret multidimensional datasets, and communicate scientific recommendations that influence project strategy and key research decisions.
• Perform the isolation/characterization of tissues, whole blood, PBMCs and iPSC-derived cell populations using immunocytochemistry, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, NanoString, RNA-seq and other molecular biology techniques.
• Provides scientific oversight of external research activities and collaborations, including study design, protocol review, data interpretation, and integration of externally generated findings into program decision-making.
• Excellent oral and written communication of data in a clear and concise manner to the appropriate teams and stakeholders.
• Serve as a scientific subject matter expert by integrating emerging scientific literature, competitive intelligence, and technological advances to shape internal research direction and strategy.
• Contribute to scientific innovation through development of novel model systems, evaluation of emerging technologies, publication of research findings, and presentation of results to internal and external scientific audiences.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biology or related field with post-doctoral or industry experience.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to thrive independently and in a team environment.
• Extensive experience with CNS iPSC cell culture including constructing complex in vitro Tri-culture models.
• Experience culturing immune cell lines, primary murine microglia and iPSC-derived microglia.
• Provides recognized scientific expertise in the design, execution, and interpretation of complex in vitro and translational studies, generating mechanistic insights that advance target validation, therapeutic strategy, and drug discovery decision-making.
• Strong data analysis skills including a strong willingness to leverage AI tools for conducting data quality controls on both small and large datasets.
• Application of standard laboratory cell culture procedures including DNA transfection, viral delivery and immunocytochemistry.
• Independently able to perform tissue and cellular protein/RNA preps, quantitative PCR, western blots, and ELISAs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of study reports, presentations and being able to contribute manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated record of scientific innovation, thought leadership, and problem solving as evidenced by impactful publications, scientific presentations, patents, technology development, or contributions to drug discovery programs.
• This position requires 90% of time in the lab.

Preferred

• Primary neuronal/astrocyte culture experience.
• Application of high-content imaging to cell-based assays.
• Experience with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, antibody, peptide, siRNA).
• Experience in neuroscience and pharmaceutical research; Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS disease experience preferred.