Scientist II (Neuroscience)

TL;DR

Scientist II (Neuroscience): Designing and executing sophisticated in vitro assays using human iPSC-derived neurons and co-culture systems to develop therapies for neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases with an accent on functional readouts and translational assays. Focus on developing complex cellular models, performing high-content imaging, and solving challenges in neuronal survival and synaptic activity.

Location: On-site in San Diego, CA

Salary: $80,322 – $104,000

Company

A biology-focused preclinical drug discovery service provider supporting biotech and pharmaceutical companies with comprehensive research platforms.

What you will do

• Design and optimize in vitro neuroscience assays using iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, and other CNS-relevant cell types.
• Develop and characterize complex co-culture models, such as neuron-microglia and neuron-astrocyte systems, to study disease mechanisms.
• Generate key functional readouts, including neurite outgrowth, neuronal survival, and synaptic activity.
• Conduct molecular and cellular analyses using qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, and imaging-based assays.
• Support cross-functional projects involving general cell biology, immunology, and translational models.
• Manage multiple projects independently, ensuring rigorous experimental design and high-quality data reporting.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• 4-6 years of postdoctoral or industry research experience.
• Extensive hands-on expertise with iPSC-derived neuronal culture systems and advanced cellular neuroscience models.
• Demonstrated experience in developing co-culture assays and functional neuronal readouts.
• Ability to work in a lab setting with exposure to biohazards and chemicals.
• Must be based in or be able to work on-site in San Diego, CA.

Nice to have

• Experience with organoid or 3D culture systems.
• Broader expertise in immunology or iPSC-derived non-CNS cell types.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a highly motivated, multidisciplinary environment focused on complex diseases.
• Access to comprehensive service platforms for target validation and lead discovery.
• Opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams in a professional drug discovery setting.