Scientist - In Vitro & In Vivo Biology

Job Description

Scientist – In Vitro & In Vivo Biology

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About the Company

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Institutionally backed biotech focused on neuroscience and the development of novel therapeutics.

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Position Summary

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We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our research team and contribute to the 

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advancement of therapeutic discovery programs, with an emphasis on neuroscience and 

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neurological disease. This is a hands-on position for an early-career scientist with a strong 

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experimental background spanning in vitro and in vivo biology.

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The Scientist will design and execute experiments to investigate disease-relevant biology, 

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therapeutic mechanisms, and pharmacological activity. As a member of a small, multidisciplinary 

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team, this individual will have broad scientific exposure and the opportunity to develop increasing 

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ownership of research programs and contribute to scientific strategy.

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This position is particularly well suited for candidates who enjoys experimental work and is interested

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in developing into an independent drug discovery scientist.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot in vitro and in vivo studies supporting discovery and

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preclinical research programs.

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• Develop and optimize cellular assays and disease-relevant experimental models to characterize

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biological mechanisms and therapeutic activity.

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• Conduct in vivo pharmacology and proof-of-concept studies, including dosing, sample 

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collection, tissue harvesting, and downstream analysis.

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• Perform quantitative molecular, cellular, and biochemical analyses of cells, tissues, and other 

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biological samples.

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• Integrate in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo findings to characterize biological activity and inform 

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program decisions.

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• Apply rigorous experimental design, appropriate controls, and quantitative analysis to generate 

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high-quality, reproducible data.

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• Troubleshoot experimental methods and recommend follow-up studies based on emerging 

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results.

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• Maintain accurate experimental records and clearly communicate findings to the broader 

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research team.

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• Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to research activities as program needs evolve.

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• Develop new assays, models, and research capabilities.

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• Support studies conducted with CROs and external collaborators.

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• With increasing experience, contribute to experimental strategy, program planning, and scientific

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decision-making.

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3210 Merryfield 

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San Diego, CA 9212

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Diaxis Therapeutics, 

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Qualifications

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• PhD in biology, pharmacology, neuroscience, molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, 

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biomedical sciences, or a related discipline with 0+ years of industry experience. Or a 

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Bachelor’s or Masters in biology, pharmacology, neuroscience, molecular or cellular biology, 

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biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline with 5+ years of industry experience in

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a related field.

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• Strong hands-on experimental background in cellular and molecular biology, pharmacology, or a

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related field.

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• Experience with both in vitro experimental systems and in vivo animal studies.

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• Experience with mammalian cell culture, primary cells, or other physiologically relevant cellular 

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systems.

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• Experience conducting in vivo studies, including animal handling, dosing, sample collection, 

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tissue harvesting, and/or tissue processing.

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• Strong understanding of experimental design, controls, quantitative analysis, and biological 

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interpretation.

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• Ability to independently execute and troubleshoot experiments.

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• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.

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• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

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Preferred Qualifications

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• Background in neuroscience, neurobiology, neuropharmacology, or neurological disease biology

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is preferred but not required.

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• Experience with primary neurons, iPSC-derived cells, brain tissue, or other disease-relevant 

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cellular models.

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• Experience with in vivo models of neurological disease or CNS pharmacology.

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• Experience supporting therapeutic discovery or translational research programs.

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• Experience with pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, biomarkers, or mechanism-of-action 

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studies.

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• Experience with quantitative protein assays, including MSD (Meso Scale Discovery), 

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AlphaLISA, ELISA, and/or Western blotting.

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• Experience with quantitative RNA assays, including QuantiGene, dPCR and/or qPCR.

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• Experience with ex vivo analysis of biological samples or tissues.

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• Familiarity with CNS drug delivery, exposure, or PK/PD relationships.

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• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience is beneficial but not required.

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Attributes for Success

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The successful candidate will be scientifically curious, technically strong, and motivated to remain 

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closely engaged in experimental research. The individual should be comfortable learning new areas 

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of biology, working across in vitro and in vivo systems, and adapting experimental approaches as 

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new data emerge.

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We value individuals who take ownership of their work, communicate results clearly, and balance 

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scientific rigor with the practical needs of advancing research programs. This role provides an 

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opportunity to develop increasing independence in experimental design, data interpretation, and 

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scientific decision-making while gaining broad experience in drug discovery within an early-stage 

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biotechnology company.