Sr. Research Associate, Translational

Aspen Neuroscience•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Aspen is looking for a Sr. Research Associate, Translational to support the advancement of neuroscience programs from discovery through preclinical development. The ideal candidate can independently design and execute complex in vivo and ex vivo studies, analyze and interpret data, and contribute to translational strategy and program decision-making with minimal supervision. This is an on-site role in Torrey Pines, California; relocation is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline required.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in central nervous system focused laboratory required.
Advanced hands-on expertise in in vivo rodent handling and experimental procedures, including basic stereotaxic surgery, tissue collection, and execution of translational studies.
Ability to independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot specialty laboratory equipment, including histology microtomes, stereotaxic apparatus, surgical tools, and rotometry or motor testing systems.
Moderate to advanced experience with histology, tissue processing, and imaging-based applications supporting translational and preclinical research.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets, assess data quality, and draw conclusions that inform project decisions.
Ability to efficiently organize, analyze, and present experimental data in a concise, accurate, and timely manner.
Excellent written and oral communication skills to clearly document experiments and communicate results to scientific and cross-functional audiences.
Strong organizational and documentation skills, including the ability to independently maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready lab notebooks and records.
Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and adjust workload based on changing corporate and departmental priorities.
Ability to lead by example, promote company culture, and routinely interact with and mentor team members in support of team effectiveness and knowledge sharing.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Working experience in a human pluripotent stem cell focused laboratory and/or delivering cell and gene products to the brain highly preferred.
Experience with in vivo behavioral or motor testing assays (e.g., rotometry) preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform small animal stereotaxic neurosurgery, pre- and post-operative animal care, necropsy, and basic animal husbandry.
Independently design, execute, and analyze in vivo and ex vivo studies, including rodent dosing, behavioral assays, biofluid (blood, CSF) and tissue collection.
Perform post-mortem plasma and serum extraction, brain tissue processing, and moderately complex histological procedures including immunohistochemistry (colorimetric & fluorescent).
Histological imaging, moderately complex quantification & data analysis using multiple platforms pertinent to translational neuroscience research (e.g., Cell Profiler, Visiopharm, ImageJ, Zen).
Manage basic IHC pipeline workflow, material resources, and maintenance of high-throughput microscopy platform supporting Aspen R&D programs.
Perform data analysis and visualization using tools like Excel, Prism, Python, R, etc.
Assist with or perform in vitro studies for iPSC culturing, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and others
Assist with or perform molecular biology routine assays (DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, library prep, etc.)
Make detailed observations, compile, and file records with R&D department, maintain data on results of analysis and communicate results to supervisor and larger group of R&D scientists.
Maintain general Translational Sciences lab inventory and organization of basic lab supplies, equipment, and reagents.
Assist chemical safety representative for Translational Sciences department coordinating all hazardous waste generation, containment, and removal.