Scientist I

About the Role

This role is situated within early-stage research efforts dedicated to target identification and target validation and provides the opportunity to contribute to hypothesis-driven studies addressing fundamental questions in ALS biology. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists to design, execute, and analyze experiments aimed at investigating genomic and proteomic alterations in ALS-relevant pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology assays such as quantitative PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and gel electrophoresis to assess gene expression.
• Conduct western blot analyses to assess protein expression.
• Perform proteomic studies, including immunoprecipitation (IP) and protein quantification using HTRF, AlphaLISA, and MSD assay platforms.
• Routine mammalian cell culture.
• Plasmid transfection and viral transduction of both human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines.
• Support target validation studies through immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Perform co-localization, morphological, and phenotypic assessments to enable the functional characterization of candidate therapeutic targets relevant to ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible experimental data.
• Rigorous documentation of methods and results.
• Preliminary data analysis.
• Contribute to data summaries, figures, and internal scientific presentations.
• Assist with assay development, optimization, and validation to support target-focused research objectives.
• Execute molecular and cell-based experiments that contribute to target identification and validation efforts.
• Generate and analyze genomic and proteomic data.
• Participate in experimental planning and troubleshoot assays.
• Deliver well-documented datasets, figures, and summaries that inform ongoing research projects.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
• Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)
• Gel electrophoresis
• Western blot analyses
• Immunoprecipitation (IP)
• HTRF
• AlphaLISA
• MSD assay platforms
• Mammalian cell culture
• Plasmid transfection
• Viral transduction
• Human iPSC-derived neurons
• Established cell lines
• Immunostaining
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Quantitative image analysis

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in molecular biology.
• Hands-on experience in genomics and proteomics-based assays.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture.
• Experience working with iPSC-derived neurons and/or established cell lines.
• Experience in assay development and assay optimization.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Scientific rigor.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Solid understanding of genomics and proteomics.
• Knowledge and technical experience in molecular and cellular biology.
• Degree level(s): PhD or MS level.
• Preferred majors/programs: Molecular Biology/Biochemistry or Neuroscience.