In Vivo Research & Mouse Models
- Design, execute, and lead seizure studies using established and novel mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., kainate, pilocarpine, kindling, genetic models such as Scn1a+/−).
- Plan and perform chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings (EEG/LFP) to quantify seizure burden, inter-ictal activity, and network dynamics.
- Oversee surgical implantation of recording electrodes and manage long-term telemetric monitoring cohorts.
- Develop and validate new in vivo model systems relevant to drug-resistant or pediatric epilepsies.
Ex Vivo Electrophysiology
- Execute and lead acute and organotypic brain slice preparation with high reproducibility across hippocampal, cortical, and thalamocortical circuits.
- Perform whole-cell patch-clamp and field potential recordings to characterize intrinsic neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and network-level epileptiform activity.
- Analyze pharmacological modulation of ion channels, GABAergic/glutamatergic systems, and other therapeutic targets in slice preparations.
Therapeutic Development
- Serve as the primary electrophysiology lead in evaluating candidate therapeutics (small molecules, biologics, gene therapy approaches) across preclinical models.
- Design and execute dose-response, time-course, and mechanistic studies to characterize compound efficacy and tolerability in the CNS.
- Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and translational teams to align preclinical findings with clinical hypotheses.
- Contribute to IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions by providing high-quality preclinical data packages.
Scientific Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead a small team of research scientists and associates, providing mentorship, experimental guidance, and career development support.
- Define research priorities, drive experimental strategy, and ensure rigorous, reproducible science across the team.
- Present findings at internal research reviews, external conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications.
- Build and maintain collaborations with academic KOLs, clinical epileptologists, and external research partners.
- Contribute to grant writing, scientific communications, and IP generation as appropriate.
Required Qualifications- PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research experience, with a demonstrated track record in epilepsy or seizure biology.
- Expert-level proficiency in in vivo electrophysiology, including EEG recording and analysis in rodent seizure models.
- Expert-level proficiency in brain slice preparation and patch-clamp or field potential electrophysiology.
- Extensive hands-on experience with rodent models of epilepsy and associated surgical, behavioral, and data analysis workflows.
- Direct experience contributing to preclinical therapeutic development programs, including target validation and compound profiling.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to epilepsy, ion channel biology, or CNS pharmacology.
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments and communicate findings clearly.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with genetic mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome, KCNQ2, CDKL5).
- Familiarity with advanced imaging modalities (e.g., calcium imaging, optogenetics) in the context of seizure research.
- Experience with translational biomarker development or clinical EEG interpretation.
- Prior experience in a biotech, pharma, or translational research environment.
- Familiarity with regulatory expectations for preclinical CNS packages (FDA/EMA guidelines).
- Experience with gene therapy or RNA-based therapeutic modalities.
Skills & Competencies- Scientific rigor and meticulous attention to reproducibility and data quality.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency with electrophysiology analysis software (e.g., Clampfit, Spike2, custom MATLAB/Python pipelines).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data to cross-functional stakeholders.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and organizational boundaries.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
- Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring junior scientists and driving team-level deliverables.
What We Offer- A senior, high-visibility role at the forefront of epilepsy research and drug discovery.
- Significant scientific autonomy and the opportunity to shape the direction of a core research program.
- A collaborative, mission-driven culture with access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
- Competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, and equity.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and generous PTO.
- Support for conference attendance, publications, and continued professional development.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field
- Extensive experience (typically 8+ years) in scientific research, preferably in a related industry or academic setting.
- Proven track record of leading successful research projects, with a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in a specialized area.
- Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements relevant to the industry.
Education: Doctorate required/preferred
Experience: 8 years required/ 10 years preferred
Pay Range: $136,461 - $212,147, salary is determined by experience
