Drug Discovery Scientist, Pharmacology

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Are you interested in applying your knowledge of fundamental biology to the discovery of new therapeutics? If so, this may be the position for you! The Niswender Laboratory is seeking a motivated Drug Discovery Scientist to perform pharmacological assays to evaluate potential therapeutics and to study protein/protein interactions between G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and other regulatory molecules. Key qualifications for this role include a background in cell culture and/or molecular pharmacology, a curiosity to learn, and a drive to grow. This position offers the opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary team to support the discovery and development of novel therapeutics as well as to explore the basic biology of GPCRs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead their own research project from experimental design and performance to statistical analysis, record keeping, and publication/presentation
• Establish and validate new in vitro molecular pharmacology assays independently
• Perform cell-based assays, cell viability assessments, and cell culture, as well as high throughput cell-based screening assays
• Oversee the workflow of multiple in vitro assays
• Train junior group members including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior staff
• Independently analyze data and maintain detailed and accurate study documentation
• Operate equipment needed for high throughput molecular pharmacology and assay development, as well as other equipment present in the Niswender laboratory
• Perform molecular biology experiments, including cloning, RNA, DNA and protein preparation, Western blotting
• Perform reagent ordering and assist with biosafety and radiation safety issues
• Maintain up-to-date experiment records using lab notebooks, electronic databases, and prepare reports and slide decks of relevant data
• Present data at weekly lab meetings and wider team meetings
• Assist with the preparation of manuscripts and grant applications

Qualifications

• The candidate must have expertise with cell culture
• The applicant must have expertise with the independent design of assays, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• The applicant must have experience with manuscript preparation
• Excellent ability to educate and train others for both team and individualized activities
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and record keeping
• Self-motivation and a desire to contribute to the goals of the lab are necessary skills

Education and Experience

• A PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutical science, or a relevant field
• Four to five years of postdoctoral experience working to develop cell-based assays for small molecule profiling as well as manuscript and grant preparation