Scientist I, Neuroscience

Job Description

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our Discovery Biology Department as a Senior Scientist I and work as part of a team to drive success. The Senior Scientist I will support ongoing RNA-based drug discovery projects in several therapeutic areas.

The successful candidate will have experience in neuroscience drug discovery and a deep understanding of human neurobiological processes that drive CNS disease pathophysiology. The Senior Scientist I will employ a variety of in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro techniques to advance oligonucleotide therapeutics for CNS indications.

Essential Responsibilities:

Carry out assigned laboratory functions applying knowledge and skill in an accurate, timely manner.

Support the establishment and maintenance of primary and IPSC-derived neuronal cell models.

Support in vivo studies by performing basic animal handling and specialized CNS techniques (e.g. intracerebroventricular and intrathecal injection)

Perform brain and spinal cord dissections and tissue processing. Collect bodily fluids, e.g. blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

Implement multiple state-of-the-art techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, and microscopy to determine drug distribution, efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.

Critically evaluate, interpret, summarize, and present data to internal project teams and leadership.

Maintain a current knowledge of relevant literature, competitive landscape, and methodologies specific to oligonucleotide-based therapeutics targeting CNS disorders.

Contribute to the preparation of research reports and presentations for internal project teams, leadership team, and external audience.

Maintain updated and well-organized lab notebooks.

Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with critical collaborative partners throughout the company.

Execute daily laboratory operations with an approach designed to minimize risks and hazard waste streams to carry out assignments.

Maintain all appropriate corporate standards for facility safety and hazardous material management.

Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Characteristics:

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

On-Site Protocol:

Physical presence at the ADARx Pharmaceuticals worksite is a necessary job function of this role, which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and it enhances the Company culture.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or related scientific discipline

3+ years post-doctoral or biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience in neuroscience research and drug discovery.

In-depth knowledge in the field of neuroscience, CNS disease and therapeutic modalities.

Expertise in the rodent stereotaxic surgery techniques including intracerebroventricular and intrathecal injection

Expertise in rodent brain and spinal cord dissection.

Experience with tissue processing, embedding and microtomy of brain tissues, fixation and immunohistochemistry.

Experience in gene expression analysis using qPCR and protein analysis techniques.

Broad knowledge of scientific experience with track record of scientific achievement demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.

Understanding of project timelines and deliverables and plans/coordinate project work accordingly with departmental, functional, and external stakeholders.

Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude towards exploring new approaches.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and effective presentation of complex scientific data to cross-functional and senior management teams are essential for this role.

Ability to work as part of a team with a drive to partner effectively with internal and external leaders.

Proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite Products.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with oligonucleotide-based therapeutics is highly desirable.

Prior experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry a plus.

Experience in primary neuronal cell cultures and human iPSC-derived neural cells is a plus.

Experience in collection of cerebrospinal fluid samples is a plus.

Specific experience in fluorescence microscopy and image analysis is desirable.

Required Key Attributes:

Must be able to work independently as well in cross-functional team settings with supervision as needed.

Adaptable / Flexible - willing and able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities as well as an ability to meet day-to-day challenges with confidence and professionalism.

Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills with the ability to take a hands-on approach to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Compensation:

This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday, occasional overtime.

Pay is commensurate with experience.

Equity-based compensation

Performance-based bonuses

401(k) with Company Match

Medical, Dental, Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discounts

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick, Jury Duty, Bereavement

Work Authorization:

United States (Required)

Background Check

Company Overview:

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (the “Company” or “ADARx”) located in San Diego, is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to turning cutting-edge science into life-saving therapeutics. ADARx has developed proprietary RNA targeting platforms and technology for silencing or editing target mRNA. ADARx has a growing pipeline of RNA targeting therapeutics for treating diseases across a range of therapeutic areas including genetic, cardiometabolic, complement-mediated diseases and central nervous system.

ADARx currently has multiple active programs in development with the lead candidate in the clinic. We are well-financed by a syndicate of renowned VC firms.

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Disclosure Statement:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual target bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, type and length of experience within the industry, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Total Compensation includes base salary; benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance; life insurance; 401(k) matching program; paid time off; paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program; and other employee benefits. This role may also be eligible for short-term or long-term incentive compensation, including but not limited to cash bonuses.

Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Full-time