Associate Scientist Job at PTC Therapeutics, Apply Online
Looking to advance your career in cell biology and drug discovery? PTC Therapeutics, a leading biopharmaceutical company, is hiring an Associate Scientist II, Biology (Cell Biology) in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Join a dynamic team that develops groundbreaking treatments for rare and genetic disorders.
About PTC Therapeutics, Inc.
PTC Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of treatments for rare and genetic disorders. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions that improve patients’ lives globally.
Job Opening: Associate Scientist II, Biology (Cell Biology)
Job Description Summary:
The Associate Scientist II, Biology (Cell Biology) at PTC Therapeutics is responsible for conducting scientific experiments to support research and drug discovery activities. The role involves working on early-stage research projects aiming to identify New Chemical Entities (NCEs) and advance research programs through lead optimization.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models of neurological diseases.
- Contribute to the optimization of differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived cell types.
- Perform neural/glial differentiations for phenotype discovery.
- Support hit validation and hit-to-lead optimization through compound screening and SAR studies.
- Conduct high throughput screening and design primary assays to identify hits and new chemical scaffolds.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED
* Minimum level of education and years of relevant work experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline with 5 years’ experience or Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with over 2 years of relevant experience.
- Experience (academic or industry) in cell culture required.
- Proficient in iPSC maintenance, reprogramming, and differentiation techniques using various protocols.
* Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates required.
- Hands-on experience culturing iPSCs, glial cells, and neurons.
- Experience in human iPSC/ESC culture, iPSC reprogramming, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is highly desired.
- Ability to work productively in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
- Strong technical proficiency, scientific creativity, independent thought, and collaborative skills in a cross-functional team environment.
- Knowledge of scientific principles and current relevant scientific literature.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines.
- Effective planning, organization, and time management skills with ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Graphpad Prism.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
*Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.
- Background in neurobiology, stem cell biology, genome editing, cell-based assay development, laboratory automation, or high-content cell analysis.
- Proficiency in flow cytometry is preferred.
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture including DNA/RNA transfection, Lentiviral transduction, isolation of stable clones, cryopreservation, RNAi/CRISPR, cytotoxicity, cell-based reporter assays (e.g., luciferase assays, protein-protein interaction) and compound screening in 96- and/or 384-well format.
- Experience with RNA purification and gene expression quantification (e.g., ddPCR, PCR and qRT-PCR).
- Familiarity with molecular cloning, SDS PAGE, western blot, ELISA/Mesoscale Discovery (MSD).
- Experience in high-throughput cell-based assays, laboratory automation and robotic plate handlers (e.g. JANUS, Assistant Plus).
- Experience with RNA library preparation and Next Generation Sequencing.
* Travel requirements
- Up to 5%
*Physical requirements
- Office/Laboratory based-position, full-time on-site Mon-Fri.
- Flexible scheduling, including occasional weekend work is required to maintain healthy cell cultures.
