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Research Associate - In Vivo Pharmacology (CNS)
Full Time
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Job description
Scismic is supporting the growth of a Cambridge, MA biotech startup that is pioneering mRNA-modulating therapies to cure a broad range of genetic diseases. The company is exploring the use of its novel platforms in neurological disorders, heart disease, and muscular dystrophies.
Position summary:
They are looking for Research Associates with an innovative mindset, great attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively to solve problems, to help advance therapeutic candidates to the clinic. In this position, you will work in the in vivo pharmacology team to study the effects of the company's therapeutic lead candidates in animal models of rare genetic disorders, including epilepsies and muscular dystrophies. The RA will be responsible for supporting in vivo dosing studies as well as executing experiments to assess behavioral, cellular, and molecular readouts. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to positively impact patients with serious unmet medical needs while working closely with their world-class scientific team, including with company’s scientific co-founders.
Key responsibilities for this position:
- Characterize mouse models of rare genetic disorders and their associated phenotypes.
- Assist with animal colony management and animal husbandry.
- Perform animal dosing experiments using various routes of administration and collect tissues at the end of the study.
- Extract protein and RNA from frozen tissues for various protein and RNA quantification (ex. Western blot, ELISA, digital PCR, etc.)
- Section fixed tissues for immunofluorescence staining and imaging.
- Perform mouse embryo dissections to generate primary cell cultures and virus titrations.
- Maintain excellent documentation of experiments (ELN) and present scientific data at group meetings.
- Be up to date with relevant scientific literature, adapt to changing priorities, and be a strong team player.
Minimum qualifications:
- A BS/MS in Neuroscience, Physiology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, or a related Life Science discipline, with 0-2 years’ experience working in a life science research lab.
- Hands-on experience working with rodent animal models (mouse or rat) including animal handling and husbandry is required. Previous experience with colony management is desirable.
- Experience with the following methods is not necessary but will be a plus: Dissection of various types of CNS and peripheral tissues, such as brain, spinal cord, liver, heart, and various types of muscles
- Transcardial perfusion, protein/nucleic acid extraction from mouse tissue, qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), RNA scope, microscopy, and image analysis. Familiarity with various dosing routes in mice, such as intracerebroventricular (ICV), intravenous (IV), and intramuscular (IM) Mouse/rat behavioral assays (e.g., open field, rotarod)
- Ability to work collaboratively with team members and effectively handle multiple tasks in a fluid, fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to master new concepts quickly, highly organized, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
Title commensurate with level of experience.