Scientist II

WuXi AppTec • San Diego, CA

2d • $80,322 - $104,000 • Onsite

About The Position

WuXi AppTec Biology offers biology-focused preclinical drug discovery services to biotech and pharmaceuticals, with comprehensive service platforms in target validation, plate-based pharmacology, hit identification and lead discovery, in vivo pharmacology, and other R&D services. We are seeking a motivated and versatile scientist to advance our neuroscience platforms and discovery programs for neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, and other complex diseases. This role involves designing, developing, and executing sophisticated in vitro assays using human iPSC-derived neurons, primary neuronal cells, co-culture systems, and other cellular models. The position will also support cross-functional projects in general cell biology, immunology, and translational assays. Strong technical depth, assay development expertise, and effective collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment are essential.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field with 4-6 years of postdoctoral or industry research experience.
• Strong knowledge of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, including relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms.
• Extensive hands-on expertise with iPSC-derived neuronal culture systems and advanced cellular neuroscience models.
• Demonstrated experience developing and applying co-culture assays and functional neuronal readouts (e.g., neurite outgrowth, synaptic activity, survival assays).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects effectively, with strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with organoid or 3D culture systems is a strong plus.
• Broader expertise in general cell biology, immunology, or iPSC-derived non-CNS cell types is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute in vitro neuroscience assays using iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, primary neuronal cells, and other CNS-relevant cell types.
• Develop and characterize co-culture models (e.g., neuron–microglia, neuron-astrocyte, multi-lineage systems) to study disease mechanisms.
• Support discovery programs with key functional readouts, including neurite outgrowth, neuronal survival, synaptic activity, and high-content imaging.
• Perform molecular and cellular analyses such as qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, imaging-based assays, and protein/RNA quantification.
• Contribute to non-neuroscience projects, including general cell biology assays, immune cell functional assays, iPSC-derived non-CNS lineages, and other translational models as needed.
• Independently manage multiple projects, ensuring rigorous experimental design, high-quality execution, and reproducible data generation.
• Prepare clear and well-structured data summaries, technical reports, and presentations for internal teams and external partners.

What This Job Offers

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