Scientist I/II, In Vivo Pharmacology

Lexeo Therapeutics • New York, NY

17d • $111,400 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Lexeo is seeking a hands-on in vivo pharmacologist to build rodent models of cardiac disease and use them to de-risk targets, screen therapeutic candidates, and advance its discovery pipeline. The scientist will design, perform, or manage rodent studies from target validation through hit identification, working cross-functionally with In Vitro Pharmacology, Modality Engineering, and Translational Sciences to select and advance molecules. Reporting to the Head of Cardiac Research, this role joins cardiac, neuroscience, and non-clinical scientists developing therapies for genetic heart disease and offers broad experience in multidisciplinary biopharma research.

The position is based at Lexeo’s New York City headquarters and requires regular onsite work. Compensation is $111,400–$150,000 per year, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• PhD in physiology, pharmacology, cardiovascular biology, or a related field with 0–3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience; or an MS with 5+ years of industry experience.
• Hands-on rodent experience, including handling, multi-route dosing, blood collection, survival surgery, and necropsy.
• Track record using rodent disease models for target validation or molecule efficacy testing.
• Understanding of power analyses, methods for randomizing animal models, and appropriate uses of statistical methods.
• Strong data analysis skills, such as GraphPad, and clear written and verbal communication.
• Organized and independent, with the ability to run several longitudinal studies at once within a collaborative team.
• Ability to regularly work onsite at headquarters in New York City.

Nice To Haves

• Industry experience in a small, fast-paced biotech is highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of qPCR/ddPCR for vector or mRNA, ELISA/LC-MS for ASO, RNAscope/IHC for tissue localization, and WB/ELISA/MSD for protein detection.
• Hands-on echocardiography in mice and rats, such as with Vevo.
• ECG and blood pressure telemetry implantation and analysis in mice and rats, such as with Ponemah.
• Experience with cardiac surgical models (TAC, MI) and invasive hemodynamics (PV-loop).
• Demonstrated experience with models of neurodegenerative disease, particularly ataxia or cerebellar disorders, including rotarod, gait analysis, balance beam, grip strength, and longitudinal behavioral studies.
• In vivo experience working with and advancing AAV or oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Experience selecting and evaluating CROs to perform animal studies.
• AALAS certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vivo studies that de-risk novel targets, using genetic knockdown or overexpression and tool molecules to test target–phenotype links.
• Outsource or internally establish rodent cardiac disease models, including transgenic lines and surgical models such as TAC and MI.
• Run therapeutic screening studies to rank candidates on efficacy, dose-response, and durability, and identify hit molecules for advancement.
• Dose animals by multiple routes (IV, IP, SC, IM, PO, and retro-orbital) and by osmotic minipump across longitudinal studies.
• Lead study takedowns, including necropsy, blood and tissue collection, and processing for histology, molecular, and ex vivo endpoints, including Langendorff cardiac dissociation.
• Partner with Translational Sciences to establish bioanalytical methods for biodistribution and target engagement in rodent tissues, and align models with clinical endpoints and biomarkers.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to project teams; maintain study records in the ELN in line with IACUC and animal welfare standards.
• Manage study logistics and budgets, flag capacity or timeline risks early, and ideate novel methods for pharmacology and physiology.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level