Research Associate, In Vivo Pharmacology

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

We are looking for Research Associate (RA-I or RA-II) with an innovative mindset, great attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively to solve problems, to help advance therapeutic candidates to the clinic. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to positively impact patients with serious unmet medical needs while working closely with our world-class scientific team, including with company’s scientific co-founders.

In this position, you will collaborate with the in vivo pharmacology team to study effects of therapeutic lead candidates. The RA will work with animal models for rare genetic diseases and will be responsible for executing experiments to quantify molecular, cellular, and physiological readouts, in addition to supporting in vivo dosing studies and related research activities within the in vivo pharmacology group. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated scientist to further develop their skills in neuroscience, physiology and gene therapy while helping to make an impact on lives of patients suffering from rare diseases.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Establish and quantify readouts for in vivo efficacy, biodistribution, and other effects of dosed articles in animal models of rare genetic disorders
• Maintain, genotype and characterize mutant mouse lines and their associated phenotypes, as well as assist with animal husbandry
• Execute and/or troubleshoot diverse assays – physiological, behavioral, or tissue-based - perform relevant analysis, document all experimental details and results
• Assist with experiments using cultured cells, virus vector production and/or titration and execute assays for DNA/RNA and/or protein quantification
• Perform surgical procedures on animal models using multiple dosing routes
• Work with team members to regularly update electronic lab notebook (ELN) prepare high quality reports and scientific presentations
• Be up to date with relevant scientific literature and adapt to changes in priorities.

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
• Candidates with experience in post-hoc procedures including tissue extraction, embedding and processing, immunohistochemistry (IHC), protein/nucleic acid extractions and/or PCR based methods (e.g., qPCR, ddpCR) will be preferred.
• Additional experience with one of the following methods will be a plus: in situ Hybridization (ISH), RNAscope, imaging/microscopy, image anaylsis as well protein detection/quantification methods such as Western Blot, ELISA, etc.
• Familiarity with various dosing routes in mice – including (but not limited to) Intracerebroventricular (ICV), intrathecal(IT), Intravenous(IV), Intra-muscular (IM), Intraparenchymal routes – is desirable.
• Experience with mouse/rat behavior assays (e.g. open field, rotarod) would be good to have but not required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and effectively handle and prioritize 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.

We are accepting applications to build a pipeline of potential candidates for future opportunities. If your qualifications align with our requirements, we will contact you once the hiring process begins. Thank you for your interest in this role.