Principal Scientist, Epilepsy Research

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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