What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Scientist II, Neuroscience position at PTC Therapeutics, Inc.?
About Us PTC Therapeutics is a science-driven, global biopharmaceutical company founded in 1998 initially focused on the discovery and development of orally-administered, proprietary small molecule drugs that target post-transcriptional control processes. As we have grown, our technology platforms have expanded from this foundational scientific expertise in RNA mechanisms to include multiple approaches including gene therapy. While PTC’s discovery programs are directed at targets in multiple therapeutic areas, PTC is focusing particularly on the development and commercialization of treatments for orphan and ultra-orphan disorders. Our internally discovered pipeline addresses multiple therapeutic areas, including neuromuscular disorders, oncology, metabolic and infectious diseases. Our mission is to provide access to best-in-class treatments for rare disease patients who have little to no treatment options. At PTC, you are not joining a company, you are joining a cause. For more information on the company, please visit our website www.ptcbio.com. **At PTC Therapeutics we are seeking candidates in the United States who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or who will be fully vaccinated by the time they begin the position. Please Beware of False Job Advertisements PTC Therapeutics is aware of employment hiring scams that make false use of our company, leader and employee names to defraud job seekers. PTC does not make job offers without interviews and we never ask candidates for money. If you have encountered a job posting or been approached with a job offer from an email address that does not use ptcbio.com, or that you feel may be fraudulent, we strongly encourage you NOT to respond. Job Description Summary: The Associate Scientist II, Neuroscience 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, Neuroscience supports adherence to all regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including as appropriate. Job Description: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Primary duties/responsibilities: 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. Analyze data from experience and understanding of databases such as prism, excel, etc. Applies relevant scientific principles and techniques to research problems. Maintains detailed laboratory notebooks. 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. 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. Specific duties may also include, but may not be limited to, the following: Provides support for 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. Profiles selected compounds in additional cells/assays. Assists in the development of biologically relevant alternatives to preclinical animal models. Conducts mechanism of drug activity studies. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED * Minimum level of education and years of relevant work experience. Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, preferably Biology or Neuroscience with a minimum of 4 years’ experience or Master’s degree in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 2 years relevant experience. Please note, this is not a PhD position. * Special knowledge or skills needed and/or licenses or certificates required. Experience developing cell-based assays. Excellent sterile technique and extensive cell culture experience. Immunoassay experience (ELISA, MSD, Western) – moderate to high-throughput assays for protein detection using different platforms. Experience in RNA purification, qPCR and analysis Perform cell culture duties including media and reagent preparation, media exchange/feeding, counting, passaging, imaging, and characterization Background in Neuroscience/Cell biology and Molecular biology 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. Proficiency with Microsoft Office- preferably MS Excel and MS PowerPoint. Effective verbal and written communication and 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. Experience independently designing assays, troubleshooting assay parameters, and analyzing data are critical for this position. Experience performing DNA/RNA transfection, Lentiviral transduction, and generating stable cell lines is desired. Experience culturing neurons is a plus, but not required. **At PTC Therapeutics we are seeking candidates in the United States who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or who will be fully vaccinated by the time they begin the position. EEO Statement: PTC Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination. Click here to return to the careers page