Associate Scientist II, Neuroscience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 Primary duties/responsibilities:                                                                                                                                                           

• Under general guidance, executes experiments, interprets, and communicates results as part of multi-disciplinary team(s).

• Applies relevant scientific principles and techniques to research problems.

• Maintains detailed laboratory notebooks.

• Maintains knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and techniques.

• Ability to independently troubleshoot experiments -designing controls, generating interpretable data.

• Presents findings internally and contributes to the publication of the work of the project team.

• Contributes to the development of patent applications as appropriate.

• Complies with all safety requirements.

• Contributes to laboratory needs, such as stockroom maintenance and ordering supplies.

• Involved in general lab duties as assigned.

• Specific duties may also include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Assist in target deconvolution studies using a wide array of methodologies (including flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blot, RT-qPCR)

• Executes weekly cell-based screening assays to support hit to lead optimization efforts for early-stage discovery programs.

• Maintains multiple cell lines (thawing, passaging, seating) to support in vitro screening assays.

• Routinely uploads and reports data in a timely fashion which may also include communicating any delays or changes in workflow to a cross-disciplinary team.

• Provides support for the design and optimization of new assays, the goal of which is the identification of additional hits.

• Profiles selected compounds to better understand compound mechanism of action in additional cells and tissues.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED               

• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry and immunophenotyping primary human cells.

• Mammalian tissue culture experience with excellent sterile technique required.

• Knowledge of basic Cell biology and Molecular biology

• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

* Minimum level of education and years of relevant work experience.                                                                                  

• Bachelor’s degree in a Biology scientific discipline, preferably Biology or Neuroscience or Immunology with a minimum of 6 years’ experience, OR, Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

* Special knowledge or skills needed and/or licenses or certificates required.                                                                   

• Demonstrates technical proficiency, and the ability to collaborate with others on cross functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed, environment consisting of internal and external team members.

• Possesses knowledge of scientific principles and concepts and keeps current with relevant scientific literature.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office- preferably MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.

• Effective verbal and written communication and skills.

• Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

• Effective planning, organization and time management skills including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.

*Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.

• Basic understanding of adaptive and innate immune system, especially as they relate to peripheral and nervous system inflammatory diseases.

• Familiarity with establishing and routinely executing reproducible high-throughput assays

• Proficiency with standard data analysis workflows, data visualization tools, and basic statistical analysis highly valued.

• Knowledge of and ability to use standard molecular, cell biology, and immunology techniques.

• Deep understanding in assay optimization and troubleshooting required.

 * Travel requirements                                                                                                                                                                                

• Up to 5%

• Office/Laboratory-based position

Expected Base Salary Range

$87,400 - $110,000. The base salary offered will be contingent on assessment of candidate education level, background, and experience relative to the requirements of the position they are being considered for, as well as review of internal equity.

In addition to base salary, PTC employees are also eligible for short- and long-term incentives. All eligible employees may also enroll in PTC’s medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings plans.

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