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Biotechnology

Scientist II, Cellular Neuroscience and Translational Pharmacology

New York, NYOnsiteFull TimeEntry-level (exp-based)Posted 26 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • pharmacology
  • neuroscience
  • molecular biology
  • chemical biology
  • cell biology
  • biotechnology
  • pharmaceutical industry
  • cellular pharmacology
  • assay development
  • drug discovery

Nice to have

  • protein engineering
  • chemistry
  • bioanalysis
  • DMPK
  • pathology
  • computational biology

Role summary

Seeking a collaborative Scientist II to establish a preclinical neuroscience laboratory supporting small-molecule and protein therapeutics. Responsibilities include leading cellular assay strategy for small-molecule lead optimization, developing quantitative assays for protein replacement projects, establishing neuronal culture models, and defining assay controls and standards. The role involves translating data into recommendations, partnering with cross-functional teams, managing CROs, and mentoring junior scientists. Future scope may include ASO screening.

Role Summary 

We are seeking a highly collaborative, hands-on Scientist II to help establish a preclinical neuroscience laboratory supporting small-molecule and protein therapeutics. The immediate priorities are rapid cellular profiling and lead selection for an advanced small-molecule enzyme program, and leadership of cellular development for a transferrin-based protein replacement project. The role will also build fit-for-purpose human neuronal models, laboratory workflows, and external partnerships. 

Location 

We welcome applications from candidates located across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead a rapid, tiered cellular assay strategy for small-molecule lead optimization, including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, concentration-response, duration, selectivity, neuronal phenotype, stress, and tolerability
  • Lead cellular development of a transferrin-based protein replacement project by establishing quantitative assays for construct uptake, internalization, intracellular trafficking, protein abundance and integrity, mitochondrial response, and disease-relevant phenotypic rescue
  • Use orthogonal methods to distinguish surface-bound, internalized, degraded, and functionally delivered protein; compare constructs and define advancement criteria
  • Establish fit-for-purpose neuronal culture models, including iPSC-derived neurons or glia where they add decision value, with appropriate banking and quality control
  • Define assay controls, acceptance criteria, reproducibility standards, analysis plans, SOPs, sample tracking, and electronic documentation
  • Translate data into concise recommendations to advance, modify, or discontinue assets
  • Partner across protein engineering, chemistry, bioanalysis, DMPK, pathology, computational biology, and in vivo pharmacology; scientifically manage CROs and assay transfers
  • Mentor junior scientists and build workflows that are reproducible across operators. Future scope may include ASO screening in partnership with external experts 
  • Required Skills and Qualifications

  • PhD in pharmacology, neuroscience, molecular biology, chemical biology, cell biology, or a related discipline, plus 1 to 3 years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience
  • Demonstrated experience in cellular pharmacology, assay development, and iterative drug discovery or lead optimization
  • Hands-on experience with neuronal cell culture models, preferably human iPSC-derived neurons or glia
  • Expertise in concentration-response, time-course, target-engagement, pharmacodynamic, quantitative data-analysis, and troubleshooting studies
  • Concrete examples of scientific ownership in which an assay, platform, or data package influenced a program decision
  • Excellent communication skills and willingness to maintain a substantial hands-on laboratory presence 
  • Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Enzyme biology, epigenetics, or transcriptional pharmacology; therapeutic proteins or targeted-delivery constructs; cellular uptake, trafficking, or protein quantification; mitochondrial functional assays; high-content imaging or neuronal functional assays; transferrin receptor biology, BBB transport, or biodistribution; laboratory start-up, assay transfer, or CRO management
  • Exposure to ASO screening or RNA pharmacology is beneficial 
  • About LEXEO 

    Lexeo Therapeutics is a New York City-based, clinical stage company dedicated to reshaping the path of genetic disease. By advancing pioneering science, Lexeo seeks to set a new standard in the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological genetic diseases, charting the path to patient outcomes once thought out of reach. The Company is advancing a portfolio of therapeutic candidates designed to address the underlying genetic causes of disease, including LX2006 for Friedreich ataxia (FA), LX2020 for plakophilin-2 (PKP2) arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and others in devastating diseases with high unmet need. 

    LEXEO Therapeutics is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment. 

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