Scientist in Cambridge, MA

What are the top 3-5 skills, experience or education required for this position?

1. Extensive bench research experience
2. Experience with tissue culture
3. standard cell and molecular biology proficiency
4. Bachelors or master’s degree in molecular biology, with typically 5+ (BS) (MS) years of experience; Pharmaceutical industry experience preferred

Scientist, Parkinson’s Disease

Job Description:

• Company’s neuroscience research enterprise in Cambridge, MA - the Cambridge Research Center (CRC) is focused on uncovering the fundamental biological mechanisms underpinning neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
• We are expanding our research team focused on Parkinson’s Disease (PD) to discover and develop disease-modifying therapeutics for this devastating disease.
• We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist with expertise in cellular/molecular biology to join the Parkinson’s Biology Area team for a 12-month contract position.
• As a member of our team, you will work closely with the research team to develop in vitro models to validate novel drug discovery targets, as well as identify and characterize drug leads and candidates.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Establish strong scientific and technical initiatives and hands-on implementation for new in vitro models
• Execution of in vitro experiments to create cellular models in immortalized cell lines, primary neurons and/or iPSC-derived neurons
• Build and execute biochemical and cell-based assays to support novel PD target validation
• Collaborate with and support cellular and molecular biologists, in vivo pharmacologists and medicinal chemists across global research sites
• Present research at internal meetings

Qualifications:

• Bachelors or master’s degree in molecular biology, with typically 5+ (BS), years of experience; Pharmaceutical industry experience preferred
• High level of expertise with gene transfection (conceptualization, vector design and execution), clonal cell line selection and maintenance
• Proficiency with standard cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology and neuroscience techniques including gene transfer methods, microscopy and high-content imaging, protein detection & quantification (such as ELISA, MSD), and enzyme kinetic assays
• Extensive bench research experience and enjoy a laboratory-focused role in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team
• Ability to design, execute and interpret experiments independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills paired with a strong work ethic
• Strong organizational skills that enable multitasking and working within timelines
• Background in cell biology, neuroscience and/or neurodegenerative disease mechanisms (protein aggregation etc.) considered a plus