Associate Scientist, Biology

Associate Scientist, Biology

At Biohaven, we are committed to improving the lives of patients suffering from central nervous system disorders by advancing first-in-class and best-in-class therapies. With a successful commercial drug developed and both early and late-stage clinical candidates in the development pipeline, the landscape for our preclinical discovery is evolving rapidly. Our Pittsburgh lab site has been leading the discovery of ion-channel targets and indications over the last decade, with successful candidates screened and identified. We are excited to expand our discovery team and our platform capabilities with new equipment and assays to enable discovery of the next candidates. Joining our team now means the opportunity to be a part of disruptive science and innovation for discovering treatments to some of the most challenging diseases and conditions that patients and their families face today.

The Associate Scientist is a member of the Biohaven Labs team, focusing on drug discovery in the area of neuroscience and reports to Principal Investigator, Biology. This position will support the screening of small molecules using in vitro assays and offers the opportunity to work in a growing drug discovery environment. Our program is on the leading edge of discovering ion channel modulators for epilepsy and pain. Join our team as we examine new targets and indications and seize the opportunity to discover the next clinical candidate. This position is based in Pittsburgh, PA with limited travel required.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and validate new in vitro assays
• Perform cell-based assays using a plate reader or automated patch clamp (APC)
• Maintenance of cell lines including, stable lines, primary neuronal cells and iPSCs
• Communicate effectively in verbal presentations and in writing technical reports
• Basic lab responsibilities include following SOPs, careful record keeping, following lab safety regulations and participation in team meetings

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of laboratory experience
• Sterile technique and cell culture including primary cells
• Background in ion channels and electrophysiology preferred
• Experience with cell-based assays and automated liquid handling preferred

The successful applicant will possess the following personal qualifications, with the ability to articulate examples of key achievements and characteristics:

• Excellent listening, speaking, and writing skills
• Effective problem solving skills and behaviors
• Collaborative skills, including respect for alternate views and the ability to exploit the diversity of perspective and experience in developing strategies and solving problems
• Readiness to investigate novel approaches
• A commitment to goals, a sense of urgency in fulfilling ambitious objectives, with high personal performance standards and self-accountability
• A can-do approach to problems, persistence in the face of adversity, and the ability to instill a passion for winning in others
• The ability to serve as a role model to help shape the culture within the biology team and the company as a whole, emphasizing the value of high standards, the worthiness of generosity and service, the central role of respect and candor in relationships, and the importance of honest and ethical behavior
• A personal commitment to addressing unmet medical needs