Principal Scientist, Epilepsy Research

In Vivo Research & Mouse Models Design, execute, and lead seizure studies using established and novel mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., kainate, pilocarpine, kindling, genetic models such as Scn1a+/−). Plan and perform chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings (EEG/LFP) to quantify seizure burden, inter-ictal activity, and network dynamics. Oversee surgical implantation of recording electrodes and manage long-term telemetric monitoring cohorts. Develop and validate new in vivo model systems relevant to drug-resistant or pediatric epilepsies. Ex Vivo Electrophysiology Execute and lead acute and organotypic brain slice preparation with high reproducibility across hippocampal, cortical, and thalamocortical circuits. Perform whole-cell patch-clamp and field potential recordings to characterize intrinsic neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and network-level epileptiform activity. Analyze pharmacological modulation of ion channels, GABAergic/glutamatergic systems, and other therapeutic targets in slice preparations. Therapeutic Development Serve as the primary electrophysiology lead in evaluating candidate therapeutics (small molecules, biologics, gene therapy approaches) across preclinical models. Design and execute dose-response, time-course, and mechanistic studies to characterize compound efficacy and tolerability in the CNS. Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and translational teams to align preclinical findings with clinical hypotheses. Contribute to IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions by providing high-quality preclinical data packages. Scientific Leadership & Collaboration Lead a small team of research scientists and associates, providing mentorship, experimental guidance, and career development support. Define research priorities, drive experimental strategy, and ensure rigorous, reproducible science across the team. Present findings at internal research reviews, external conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications. Build and maintain collaborations with academic KOLs, clinical epileptologists, and external research partners. Contribute to grant writing, scientific communications, and IP generation as appropriate. Required Qualifications PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a closely related discipline. Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research experience, with a demonstrated track record in epilepsy or seizure biology. Expert-level proficiency in in vivo electrophysiology, including EEG recording and analysis in rodent seizure models. Expert-level proficiency in brain slice preparation and patch-clamp or field potential electrophysiology. Extensive hands-on experience with rodent models of epilepsy and associated surgical, behavioral, and data analysis workflows. Direct experience contributing to preclinical therapeutic development programs, including target validation and compound profiling. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to epilepsy, ion channel biology, or CNS pharmacology. Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments and communicate findings clearly. Preferred Qualifications Experience with genetic mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome, KCNQ2, CDKL5). Familiarity with advanced imaging modalities (e.g., calcium imaging, optogenetics) in the context of seizure research. Experience with translational biomarker development or clinical EEG interpretation. Prior experience in a biotech, pharma, or translational research environment. Familiarity with regulatory expectations for preclinical CNS packages (FDA/EMA guidelines). Experience with gene therapy or RNA-based therapeutic modalities. Skills & Competencies Scientific rigor and meticulous attention to reproducibility and data quality. Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency with electrophysiology analysis software (e.g., Clampfit, Spike2, custom MATLAB/Python pipelines). Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data to cross-functional stakeholders. Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and organizational boundaries. Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment. Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring junior scientists and driving team-level deliverables. What We Offer A senior, high-visibility role at the forefront of epilepsy research and drug discovery. Significant scientific autonomy and the opportunity to shape the direction of a core research program. A collaborative, mission-driven culture with access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, and equity. Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and generous PTO. Support for conference attendance, publications, and continued professional development. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field Extensive experience (typically 8+ years) in scientific research, preferably in a related industry or academic setting. Proven track record of leading successful research projects, with a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in a specialized area. Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously. Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements relevant to the industry. Education: Doctorate required/preferred Experience: 8 years required/ 10 years preferred Pay Range: $136,461 - $212,147, salary is determined by experience About JAX: The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit EEO Statement: The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws. Bar Harbor: The Jackson Laboratory's 43-acre scenic Bar Harbor campus is nestled between the Gulf of Maine and the mountains of Acadia National Park. Some of the best hiking and biking in the world (over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, views, and dramatic coastline) is accessible from our campus. We are one mile from downtown Bar Harbor, which offers a vibrant downtown district with a plethora of restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries. Ellsworth: The Charles E. Hewett Center in Ellsworth, Maine, is a state-of-the-art facility that serves researchers world wide. The facility represents the culmination of nine decades of unmatched experience and leadership in breeding and caring for laboratory mice. Ellsworth, Maine, is one of Maine’s fastest growing cities. With a growth rate of nearly 20%, Ellsworth is a bustling year-round community and acts as a hub for surrounding towns. It is located nearby Acadia National Park and hosts numerous special events, concerts and festivals each year. Residents have access to fabulous shopping, recreation, museums, galleries, and dining at a variety of independent restaurants. Farmington: JAX Genomic Medicine is transforming medicine by improving patient care, lowering costs, and increasing life span and health span. JAX Genomic Medicine’s research focuses on the complex genetic causes of disease and on the development of genomic solutions tailored to each person's unique genetic makeup. JAX Genomic Medicine sits on a 17-acre site on the campus of the University of Connecticut Health Center. The 183,500-square-foot facility opened in the fall of 2014. Now, it houses over 300 biomedical researchers, technicians, and support staff in state-of-the-art computing facilities and laboratories. In Connecticut, JAX resides in the scenic town of Farmington, in the state’s capitol region. The Hartford region, which offers some of the best public schools in the country, is made up of both bigger cities and smaller, charming historic New England towns. JAX Genomic Medicine is also geographically located within 2 hours of Boston and New York and is close to multiple transportation systems, including bus lines, highways, railroads and international airports. Sacramento: The JAX® Mice, Clinical and Research Services facility is located in Sacramento, the state capital of California. Sacramento is less than a two-hour drive from San Francisco, Napa Valley, and scenic Lake Tahoe, and a short flight to both Los Angeles and Orange County. Sacramento is the birthplace of the nation’s Farm to Fork movement, and offers excellent restaurants, gastro-pubs, wineries, theaters, and museums. Outdoor activities are plentiful: Boating, white water rafting, and riding the scenic bicycle trails are popular. Housing and other costs of living are more affordable in Sacramento and its surrounding suburbs than in most other neighboring areas in the North Bay, making Sacramento one of the hottest housing markets in the country year after year. Augusta: JAX’s Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) is located in Augusta, Maine, in the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care (HACCC), at Maine General Hospital. It began operations in 2016 with three overarching goals: to provide cancer genomic testing for Maine cancer patients; to develop and deliver physician education about clinical genomic cancer diagnostics; and to build a network in Maine of oncology practices conducting studies in genomic medicine.