Associate Scientist II, Biology (Molecular Biology)

The Associate Scientist II, Biology (Molecular Biology) is responsible for performing 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 II, Biology supports adherence to all regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including as appropriate.
.

• Provides support for hit validation and hit-to-lead optimization by screening compounds and/or supporting structure activity relationship (SAR) studies involving the characterization of the biological activity of compounds in various assays.
• Provides support for high throughput screening including the design of primary assays to identify additional hits and new chemical scaffolds.
• Under minimal supervision, executes experiments as directed by the supervisor and communicates results as part of multi-disciplinary team(s). May also design and conduct independent research experiments.
• Analyzes data from experience and understanding databases such as prism, excel, etc.
• Applies relevant scientific principles and techniques to research problems.
• Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and techniques and may contribute to the identification of new project areas or technologies.
• Presents findings internally and externally and contributes to the publication of the work of the project team in well-established and peer reviewed journals, subject to internal scientific and legal approval.
• Maintains detailed laboratory notebooks.
• May provide technical and scientific input to the project team or research leadership
• Contributes to the development of patent applications as appropriate.
• Complies with all safety requirements.
• Contributes to general lab operations such as:
  • Equipment maintenance.
  • Identification of capital equipment needs
  • Maintenance of clean and uncluttered work areas
  • Maintain Inventory and order supplies as needed.

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

• Master’s degree in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 2 years relevant experience OR Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline and a minimum 6 years relevant industry experience.

• Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates required.

• Demonstrates high technical proficiency, scientific creativity, independent thought, 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.
• 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.
• Ability to organize, track, and analyze large datasets from high-throughput experiments.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture: Transient and stable DNA/RNA transfection, Lentiviral transduction, isolation of stable clones, cryopreservation, RNAi/CRISPR, cytotoxicity, cell-based reporter assays (e.g., luciferase assays, protein-protein interaction) and compound screening in 96- and/or 384-well format.
• Experienced in working with RNA, including RNA purification and quantification of gene expression (e.g. ddPCR, PCR and qRT-PCR).
• Experience using standard cell and molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, SDS PAGE, western blot, ELISA/Mesoscale Discovery (MSD).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office- preferably MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
• Effective verbal and written communication and skills.

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

• Experienced in high throughput cell-based assays.
• Experience with RNA library preparation and Next Generation Sequencing is desired.
• Experience with laboratory automation and robotic plate handlers (e.g. JANUS, Assistant Plus) is desired.

• Travel requirements

• Up to 5%

• Physical requirements

• Office/Laboratory based position, expectation is to work on site full time Mon-Fri.