Senior Scientist, Discovery Biology

Founded in 2020, Vigil Neuroscience is a startup biotechnology company taking innovative approaches to treating both rare and common diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). We focus on developing small and large molecule drugs that can positively modulate neuroinflammation through modifying the biology of the principal innate immune system cell of the CNS -- microglia. We are patient focused and work to develop and test innovative medicines to improve the lives of those suffering from debilitating and lethal neurological conditions.

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Senior Scientist to join our Discovery Biology team. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry, and will be responsible for the execution of assays for novel therapeutics targeting neuroinflammation, with a primary focus on microglia. The ideal candidate is highly organized, independent, technically creative, and excited to excel in a lab-focused, scientific role.

Key responsibilities:

• Optimization and execution of in vitro cell-based assays to probe targets of interest and elucidate molecular mechanism of action for therapeutic agents.
• Culture and maintenance of cell lines and primary microglia (rodent and human iPSC-derived) for use in biochemical, signaling, and functional assays.
• Masterly of broad range of cell and molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to execute experiments from ongoing projects, as well as independently plan and design new experiments and projects.
• Contribute to cross-functional internal project teams by presenting data to key stakeholders.
• Support of external publications and conference presentations.
• Keeping up-to-date and well-organized records of experiments in an electronic notebook.

Candidate profile:

• Ideally deep and broad experience in immunology.
• Experience in culture of primary mammalian cells and transformed cell lines.
• Experience with human iPSC-derived microglia or other myeloid cells is a plus.
• Experience in optimization and execution of cell-based assays, as well as functional immune cell assays (AlphaLISA, HTRF, MSD).
• Experience with western blotting, ELISA, qPCR, flow cytometry.
• Extensive knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques
• Research experience with receptor biology and cell signaling pathways.
• Familiarity with current research in glial biology, immunology, neuroimmunology and/or neuroinflammation.
• Ability to multitask and work independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• To be considered for this role, you must have a BS, MS or PhD in Biology or a related field, with typically 10+ (BS), 8+ (MS) years of highly relevant industry experience, or 2+ (PhD) years of highly relevant postdoc experience either in industry or academia with superb technical training.