Associate Scientist I, Neuroscience

The Associate Scientist I, Neuroscience is responsible for conducting scientific experiments that contribute to research and drug discovery activities at PTC. This position assists in the conduct of early stage research, the goal of which is the identification of New Chemical Entities (NCEs), as well as the advancement of research programs from the identification of screening hits to advanced lead optimization. The incumbent is also responsible for communicating experimental results to his/her supervisor and the project team.

The Associate Scientist I, Neuroscience supports adherence to all regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including as appropriate.

• Under general guidance, executes experiments 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 trouble shoot 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 stock room maintenance and ordering supplies
• Involved in general lab duties as assigned.
• Specific duties may also include, but may not be limited to, the following:
• Executes weekly cell-based screening assays to support hit to lead optimization efforts for early-stage discovery programs.
• Maintains 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.

• Ability to design and execute experiments
• Tissue culture experience with excellent sterile technique, required
• Experience in cell-based assays, ELISAs, viability, qPCR and data analysis
• ICC, microscopy/high-content imaging, a plus
• iPSC culture, a plus

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

• Bachelor’s degree in a Biology scientific discipline, preferably Biology or Neuroscience with a minimum of 3 years’ experience, OR, Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 1 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 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.

• Immunoassay experience – moderate to high-throughput assays for protein detection using different platforms
• Basic principles of assay optimization and troubleshooting

• Travel requirements

• Up to 5%

• Physical requirements

• Office/Laboratory based position