Senior Associate Scientist, Neurodegenerative Disease

Job Description

About This Role
The Biogen Neurodegenerative Disease Research Unit is driving innovation on early drug discovery and laying the translational framework for novel mechanisms to be brought forward into clinical interrogation. Our mission is to focus on the strength of human biological evidence to one day transform the way we treat neurological diseases and their progression. We are looking for an innovative, enthusiastic, and dedicated contract research scientist to join our team and contribute to the generation of pioneering therapeutics.

The ideal candidate would be a biologist with expertise in general molecular biology techniques, a background in pharmacology, mammalians cell culture, experience working with in vivo mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as tissue processing methods. We welcome candidates who share our passion to advance novel therapeutic mechanisms from target discovery to early clinical development.

This scientist will be expected to take innovative approaches to novel assay development and balance this approach with a scientifically rigorous mindset to drive optimization. As a qualified scientist, you will be expected to work independently toward objectives but frequently communicate results to team members and project leaders.

What You will Do

• Investigate, develop, and implement new biochemical assays from cells, preclinical models, and human tissue to advance priority pipeline programs
• Develop cell functional assays in iPSC-derived microglial systems to better understand the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease risk/resilience associated genetic polymorphisms and their related pathways.
• Identify and validate modulators of related core targets/pathways by employing a variety of pharmacological and genetic approaches.
• Establish SOPs and adapt new protocols from literature
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and present data to the team

Who You Are
You are passionate about drug discovery, have a strong intrinsic drive to make a difference, maintain a commitment to scientific quality, and use your curiosity and rigor to drive forward discovery research and development. You are a forward-thinker, motivated to learn new skills, ask questions, always consider the most direct path to your work, and are a team player who strives to foster an inquisitive, inclusive, and impactful work environment.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• BS, MS in cell/molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related field
• BS (5+ years)/MS (2+ years) in biotech/pharmaceutical industry setting
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (ELISA/immunoassays, FRET, qPCR/expression profiling, western blot, immunoprecipitation)
• Strong skillset in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays
• Tissue processing expertise to support protein-based and gene expression profiling
• Ability to independently design, execute, and analyze experiments
• Strong critical thinking, communication, organization, and presentation skills

 Preferred Skills

• Prior experience with astrocyte and microglial culture
• Prior experience with basic mouse handling and procedures
• Knowledge of mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Research experience in neuroscience/neurological disorders

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.