Associate Scientist, Biology

Job Description Summary:

The Associate Scientist, Biology will work within the discovery group at PTC to help advance our Splicing Platform. The selected incumbent will be responsible for performing scientific experiments that contribute to research and drug discovery activities at PTC. This position assists in the conduct of early stage research, the goal of which is the identification of New Chemical Entities (NCEs), as well as the advancement of research programs from the identification of screening hits to advanced lead optimization. The Associate Scientist, Biology is also responsible for communicating experimental results to his/her supervisor and the project team.
The Associate Scientist, Biology supports adherence to all regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including as appropriate.

Job Description:

Primary duties/responsibilities:

• Under Minimal Supervision executes experiments as directed by the supervisor and communicates results as part of multi-disciplinary team(s). May also design and conduct independent research experiments.
  
• Effectively troubleshoots experiments to allow for appropriate interpretation and generation of high-quality data.
  
• Applies relevant scientific principles and techniques to research problems.
  
• Analyzes and interprets data to determine relevant next steps; critically discusses experiments and results.
  
• Accurately presents experimental design and results internally to multidisciplinary project teams, contributes to the publication of the work of the project team in well-established and peer reviewed journals, subject to internal scientific and legal approval.
  
• Maintains detailed, up to date, and witnessed laboratory notebooks.
  
• Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and techniques and may contribute to the identification of new project areas or technologies.
  
• May provide technical and scientific input to the project team or research leadership
  
• Contributes to the development of patent applications as appropriate.
  
• Complies with all safety requirements.
  
• Contributes to general lab operations such as:
  
  • Equipment maintenance.
    
  • Identification of capital equipment needs
    
  • Maintenance of clean and uncluttered work areas
    

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

• Characterization of pre-mRNA splicing profiles utilizing RNAseq and PCR-based methodologies.
  
• Provides support for high throughput screening including the design of primary assays, the goal of which is the identification of additional hits and new chemical scaffolds.
  
• Provides support for lead optimization by screening compounds and/or supporting structure activity relationship (SAR) studies involving the characterization of the biological activity of compounds in various assays. Profiles selected compounds in additional cells/assays.
  
• Conducts mechanism of drug activity studies.
  
• Provides support for in vivo studies as required.
  
• Assists in the development of biologically relevant alternatives to preclinical animal models.
  

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Human tissue culture experience
  
• Cell biology and Molecular biology
  
• Experience in RNA purification, qPCR and analysis
  
• Experience in Western blot analysis or other protein detection assays
  

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

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 4 years' experience or Master's degree with 0-2 years of relevant experience of early drug discovery and development experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology or academic setting
  

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

• Knowledge of and ability to use standard molecular and cell biology techniques (i.e., mammalian cell culture, isolating and handling RNA, PCR, Western Blotting, ELISA-like immunoassays, in vitro screening, etc.)
  
• Demonstrates technical proficiency, scientific creativity, independent thought, and the ability to collaborate with others on cross functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed, environment consisting of internal and external team members.
  
• Experience in screening compounds and/or supporting structure activity relationship (SAR) studies involving the characterization of the biological activity of compounds in various assays.
  
• Possesses knowledge and experience in the area of pre-mRNA splicing and keeps current with state-of-the-art techniques such as RNA seq, and with relevant scientific literature.
  
• Proficiency in scientific software used to design and analyze biological data like UCSC Genome Browser, Integrative Genomics Viewer, Spotfire, SnapGene, Vector NTI
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
  
• Effective verbal and written communication and skills.
  
• Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
  
• Effective planning, organization and time management skills including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.
  

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

• Experience with mRNA expression profiling.
  
• Immunoassay experience - moderate to high-throughput assays for protein detection using different platforms.
  
• Experience in working therapeutic areas related to the drug discovery and development efforts at PTC.
  

* Travel requirements

Upto-5%

*Physical requirements (only note if the job requires physical capacity beyond general office work)

Office/Laboratory based position

EEO Statement:

PTC Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

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