Principal Scientist, Epilepsy Research

The Jackson Laboratory • Bar Harbor, ME

1d • $136,461 - $212,147 • Onsite

About The Position

This role is a senior, high-visibility position at the forefront of epilepsy research and drug discovery. The Principal Scientist will design, execute, and lead seizure studies using established and novel mouse models of epilepsy. They will plan and perform chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings (EEG/LFP) to quantify seizure burden, inter-ictal activity, and network dynamics, and oversee surgical implantation of recording electrodes and manage long-term telemetric monitoring cohorts. The role also involves developing and validating new in vivo model systems relevant to drug-resistant or pediatric epilepsies. Additionally, the scientist will execute and lead acute and organotypic brain slice preparation, perform whole-cell patch-clamp and field potential recordings to characterize neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, and analyze pharmacological modulation of therapeutic targets. The Principal Scientist will serve as the primary electrophysiology lead in evaluating candidate therapeutics, design and execute studies to characterize compound efficacy and tolerability, and partner with cross-functional teams to align preclinical findings with clinical hypotheses. They will contribute to IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions. Furthermore, the role involves leading a small team of research scientists and associates, providing mentorship, defining research priorities, driving experimental strategy, and ensuring rigorous science. The scientist will present findings internally and externally, and build collaborations with academic KOLs and external partners. Contributions to grant writing, scientific communications, and IP generation are also expected.

Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research experience, with a demonstrated track record in epilepsy or seizure biology.
• Expert-level proficiency in in vivo electrophysiology, including EEG recording and analysis in rodent seizure models.
• Expert-level proficiency in brain slice preparation and patch-clamp or field potential electrophysiology.
• Extensive hands-on experience with rodent models of epilepsy and associated surgical, behavioral, and data analysis workflows.
• Direct experience contributing to preclinical therapeutic development programs, including target validation and compound profiling.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to epilepsy, ion channel biology, or CNS pharmacology.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments and communicate findings clearly.
• Scientific rigor and meticulous attention to reproducibility and data quality.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency with electrophysiology analysis software (e.g., Clampfit, Spike2, custom MATLAB/Python pipelines).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and organizational boundaries.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring junior scientists and driving team-level deliverables.
• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Extensive experience (typically 8+ years) in scientific research, preferably in a related industry or academic setting.
• Proven track record of leading successful research projects, with a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in a specialized area.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements relevant to the industry.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with genetic mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome, KCNQ2, CDKL5).
• Familiarity with advanced imaging modalities (e.g., calcium imaging, optogenetics) in the context of seizure research.
• Experience with translational biomarker development or clinical EEG interpretation.
• Prior experience in a biotech, pharma, or translational research environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations for preclinical CNS packages (FDA/EMA guidelines).
• Experience with gene therapy or RNA-based therapeutic modalities.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and lead seizure studies using established and novel mouse models of epilepsy.
• Plan and perform chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings (EEG/LFP) to quantify seizure burden, inter-ictal activity, and network dynamics.
• Oversee surgical implantation of recording electrodes and manage long-term telemetric monitoring cohorts.
• Develop and validate new in vivo model systems relevant to drug-resistant or pediatric epilepsies.
• Execute and lead acute and organotypic brain slice preparation with high reproducibility.
• Perform whole-cell patch-clamp and field potential recordings to characterize intrinsic neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and network-level epileptiform activity.
• Analyze pharmacological modulation of ion channels, GABAergic/glutamatergic systems, and other therapeutic targets in slice preparations.
• Serve as the primary electrophysiology lead in evaluating candidate therapeutics (small molecules, biologics, gene therapy approaches) across preclinical models.
• Design and execute dose-response, time-course, and mechanistic studies to characterize compound efficacy and tolerability in the CNS.
• Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and translational teams to align preclinical findings with clinical hypotheses.
• Contribute to IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions by providing high-quality preclinical data packages.
• Lead a small team of research scientists and associates, providing mentorship, experimental guidance, and career development support.
• Define research priorities, drive experimental strategy, and ensure rigorous, reproducible science across the team.
• Present findings at internal research reviews, external conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications.
• Build and maintain collaborations with academic KOLs, clinical epileptologists, and external research partners.
• Contribute to grant writing, scientific communications, and IP generation as appropriate.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• generous PTO
• Competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, and equity.
• Support for conference attendance, publications, and continued professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree