• A PhD plus a minimum of 2 years of experience in neuroscience or related discipline, with a preference in neurodegeneration biology.
• Expertise in neurobiology-related gene function investigation in industry or academia. Previous work leading early discovery programs with novel target identification and validation responsibilities.
• Generation and characterization of complex human disease model such as iPSC-derived, primary cell, 3D co-cultures, organoids.
• Phenotypic assay development experience, especially with high content image analysis, electrophysiology (MEA) and gene expression (RNAseq, scRNAseq, PerturbSeq)
• Experience with functional genomics tools (CRISPR, RNAi, transgenes, lentivirus, etc.)
• Experience working with genomics, human genetics, and next-generation sequencing datasets, ideally in collaboration with computational teams.
• Experience with commonly used bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., R or Python for bioinformatics analyses) is a plus.A willingness to roll up your sleeves and be resourceful
• Strategic, “systems-level,” and “outside-the-box” mindset and enjoy understanding how pieces fit together in the larger scientific and competitive landscape.

• Develop clear biological hypotheses for multiple novel target genes, select appropriate assays, then establish and validate their mechanism of action in cell models through genomics (CRISPR, RNAi) and pharmacological tools.
• Establish and profile new human iPSC-based cell models and cell-based assays suitable for investigating target biology in ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Propose additional mechanisms and disease indications with putative targets and nominate related biological targets through a deep understanding of the literature.
• Serve as an internal domain expert for top biological mechanisms, disease models, and cell-based assays in the field.
• Work cross-functionally with computational biologists, neurobiologists, chemists, intellectual property experts, and business development to make strategic target recommendations.
• Work within collaborations with external partners, academic institutions, CROs and consultants as required. Present the company at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• The Senior Scientist may position involve coordination and mentoring of junior technical staff, participate in research planning while working independently on high-priority projects.

*Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
*401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
*Disability insurance, Life insurance, Dependant Care FSA and Healthcare FSA
*Unlimited paid time off
*Paid parental leave
*Access to free onsite fitness center
*Free snacks and lunch for employees who work onsite
*WFH stipend for employees who work remotely

Verge Genomics is seeking scientists of all levels in its Target Validation and Exploratory Neurobiology team. You will make important contributions to our mission by identifying and validating novel genetic targets to fill Verge’s pipeline of small molecules and novel therapeutic modalities, such as gene therapies and ASOs. 

In this position, you will serve as a key link between our computational and drug discovery teams, by investigating the biology of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS. You will implement functional genomics technologies, phenotypic assays such as high content imaging, multi-electrode arrays and ‘omics’ assays (e.g., RNAseq, proteomics) to explore gene function in disease relevant brain cell models. To reach these goals, you will develop human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to generate and study neurons neurodegenerative disorders in astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and organoids.