Associate Scientist I, Neuroscience

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.•Mountain View, CA

7d•$81,600 - $102,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Scientist I is responsible for conducting scientific experiments that support PTC's research and drug discovery efforts. In this role, the incumbent contributes to early-stage research activities aimed at the identification of New Chemical Entities (NCEs) and supports the advancement of research programs from initial screening hit identification through advanced lead optimization. The Associate Scientist I is expected to accurately interpret experimental data and communicate findings in a timely and clear manner to their supervisor and the broader project team, ensuring alignment with program objectives and milestones. In addition, the Associate Scientist I is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and established scientific and quality standards, as appropriate to the scope of their work.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience with multi-color flow cytometry and immunophenotyping of primary human cells.
Hands-on mammalian tissue culture experience with excellent aseptic technique is required.
Working knowledge of fundamental cell biology and molecular biology principles.
Exceptional attention to detail, with strong time-management skills and the ability to balance competing priorities.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
Bachelor’s degree in a Biology scientific discipline, preferably Biology, Neuroscience or Immunology with a minimum of 4 years’ experience, OR, Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 1 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrates strong technical proficiency and the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed environment comprising both internal and external stakeholders.
Possesses a solid understanding of relevant scientific principles and concepts and maintains current awareness of pertinent scientific literature.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Exhibits effective verbal and written communication skills across technical and cross-functional audiences.
Analytical thinker with sound problem-solving capabilities and the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.
Strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills, including the ability to support and prioritize multiple concurrent projects.

Nice To Haves

Foundational understanding of the adaptive and innate immune systems, particularly as they pertain to inflammatory diseases of the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Familiarity with the development and routine execution of reproducible, high-throughput assays.
Proficiency with standard data analysis workflows, data visualization tools, and fundamental statistical analysis is highly valued.
Working knowledge of, and hands-on proficiency with, standard molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology techniques.
Demonstrated depth of expertise in assay optimization and troubleshooting is required.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision, design and execute experiments, then interpret and communicate results as a contributing member of multidisciplinary project teams.
Apply relevant scientific principles and techniques to advance research objectives.
Maintain thorough, accurate, and audit-ready laboratory notebooks in accordance with company standards.
Stay current with state-of-the-art scientific principles, methodologies, and technologies relevant to the role.
Independently troubleshoot experiments, including the design of appropriate controls and the generation of high-quality, interpretable data.
Present experimental findings in internal forums and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and other publications produced by the project team.
Contribute to the development of patent applications as appropriate.
Adhere to all environmental, health, and safety requirements.
Support general laboratory operations, including stockroom upkeep, supply ordering, and other duties as assigned.
Support target deconvolution studies using a broad range of methodologies, including flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blot, RT-qPCR, primary immune cell isolation, and cell culture and handling.
Execute weekly cell-based screening assays to support hit-to-lead optimization efforts for early-stage discovery programs.
Maintain multiple cell lines — including thawing, passaging, and seeding — to support in vitro screening activities.
Upload and report experimental data in a timely manner and proactively communicate any delays or workflow changes to cross-functional team members.
Contribute to the design and optimization of new assays intended to identify additional hits.
Profile selected compounds across additional cell types and tissues to further characterize their mechanism of action.