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Scientist I - Neuroscience/Translational Biology

Employer
Regulus Therapeutics
Location
San Diego County, California, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jun 28, 2022

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Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Modeling, Biology
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Position description and scope:

This position is intended for a highly qualified candidate who desires the opportunity to grow as a drug discovery scientist and project team leader in the fields of microRNA/oligonucleotides and CNS-related therapeutics. The successful candidate will be a hands-on cell and molecular biologist and will provide important research experience and skills for the organization. Reporting to the Senior Director of Biology, the incumbent will have the opportunity to lead-from-the-bench and participate in various aspects of the drug discovery process: from target identification/validation, lead identification/optimization, through to nomination of clinical candidates and assisting in IND-enabling activities. The individual will be primarily responsible for establishing in vitro phenotypic screens and driving hit-to-lead development from the bench. Candidates who possess strong scientific curiosity and have a proven track record of elucidating complex biological processes are encouraged to apply.

Job responsibilities
  • Independently design, develop, validate and perform cell-based and cell-free assays to evaluate and screen the activities of potential microRNA therapeutics, and to elucidate mechanisms of molecular targets.
  • Evaluate and establish new assays in support of phenotypic, CNS-related disease modeling processes; optimize screening assay endpoints and readouts in support of early target identification and validation efforts.
  • Maintain a high level of understanding for current literature on microRNA biology, disease areas of primary interest and oligotherapeutic technologies; leverage such knowledge to support existing programs and to propose novel opportunities.
  • Coordinate, manage and execute studies with external CRO(s) ( in vivo and in vitro ).


Position Requirements:

· PhD in Cell and/or Molecular Biology or related discipline; postdoc experience preferred (2-3 years). Candidates with postdoc training in a biotech/pharm industry setting are particularly encouraged to apply.

· BSc/MS in a related discipline, with ~3-6 years of experience in a biotech or pharm industry setting. Demonstrated success in oligotherapeutic research and/or experience in neuroscience desired, but greater preference for candidates with strong technical skills and knowledge in assay development, optimization and screening practices.

· Hands-on experience with disease-based cell modeling is strongly desired (e.g., CNS inflammatory, seizure and neurodegenerative); experience with in vivo disease models and/or ex vivo manipulation of primary cell types or iPSC-derived is a plus.

· Experience working with and managing CROs/academic collaborations is a plus.

· Working understanding of the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Techniques desired:

· Expertise in cell and molecular biology techniques including advanced cell culture, transfection, luciferase-reporter, MSD, ELISA, RNA purification, RT-qPCR, Western blotting and other standard cell-based or biochemical assays are required. Ability to independently troubleshoot, learn new assays and establish new platforms is essential.

· Neuroscience, or disease area-focused background, with experience developing novel assay systems for molecular target characterization and modeling of complex disease processes, such as through application of primary neuronal/glial cultures, patient-derived cell lines, iPSC models and functional phenotyping.

· Experience with tissue/cell-specific targeting for functional delivery of therapeutics is a plus (e.g., aptamer-based delivery, receptor/ligand conjugations).

· Familiarity and interest in NGS analyses and functional genomic approaches is a plus.

· Proficiency in basic computer data analysis and presentation applications: e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Competencies:

· Highly effective interpersonal skills, including both written and oral communication skills

· Highly organized, strong analytical skills and attentive to details

· Strong work ethic, ability to work within schedules and deadline

· Team player, intensely committed to success and getting the job done

· Ability to multitask, prioritize, and function in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment

· Self-motivated, ability to work independently while also willing to follow protocols

· Willingness to rapidly learn new laboratory and data analysis methods

· Demonstrated ability to generate reproducible results, and to teach others

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