Scientist, Neurobiology (In Vivo/Ex Vivo)

Alkermes•Waltham, MA

3d•$116,000 - $137,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Neurobiology group within the Research and Development organization at the Waltham site seeks an experienced neurobiologist to support discovery neuroscience research using in vivo and ex vivo experimental approaches. The role involves designing and executing in vivo studies and applying biochemical, molecular, and histology-based techniques—including Western blotting, plate-based immunoassays, qPCR, tissue dissection, and immunohistochemistry—to characterize disease biology, assess pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and evaluate novel therapeutic candidates. The scientist will contribute to a broad range of discovery programs, developing and applying in vivo and ex vivo approaches to address diverse scientific questions. In a collaborative, matrixed environment, the role partners with cross-functional teams on target validation, mechanistic understanding, and translational biomarker strategies supporting neuroscience drug discovery for neuropsychiatric, neurological, neurodegenerative, and movement disorders.

Requirements

A Ph.D. in neuroscience, neurobiology, or a related discipline; alternatively, an MS degree with 5+ years of experience or a BS degree with 10+ years of experience.
Strong background knowledge in movement, neuropsychiatric, or neurological disorders.
Expertise in ex vivo biochemical and molecular assays, including Western blotting, plate-based immunoassays such as ELISA or MSD, qPCR, and related biomarker assays.
Strong knowledge of neuroanatomy and hands-on experience in tissue microdissection, perfusion, histological tissue processing and sectioning, and immunohistochemistry.
Experience with brightfield, fluorescence, confocal, and digital microscopy, including familiarity with quantitative image analysis tools such as ImageJ/Fiji, QuPath, or HALO.
Proficiency in rodent handling and in vivo procedures, including compound administration by multiple routes and blood and tissue collection.
Ability to work well in a matrixed team environment, with excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong organization and ability to multitask across diverse projects.
Initiative and ability to take the lead, influence, and motivate others.
Strong communication skills and ability to distill and present complex datasets as meaningful decision-making information.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing or performing studies using rodent behavioral models.
Experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.

Responsibilities

Explore, develop, and independently design ex vivo assays that bridge in vitro findings with in vivo neuropharmacology.
Analyze collected data, prepare clear summaries and interpretations, and communicate findings to audiences at multiple organizational levels.
Execute in vivo experiments, including compound administration, sample collection, and tissue processing.
Contribute to target identification, engagement, and validation strategies across a broad range of CNS disorders.
Design and execute in vivo studies and apply in vivo/ex vivo approaches to discovery neuroscience research.
Partner with cross-functional teams to advance target validation, mechanistic understanding, and translational biomarker strategies.