Role Summary
Lexeo is seeking a hands-on in vivo pharmacologist to build rodent models of cardiac disease and use them to de-risk targets, screen therapeutic candidates and advance our discovery pipeline. The scientist will design, perform or manage rodent studies from target validation through hit identification, working cross-functionally with In Vitro Pharmacology, Modality Engineering, and Translational Sciences to select-advance molecules. Reporting to the Head of Cardiac Research, this role joins cardiac, neuroscience, and non-clinical scientists developing therapies for genetic heart disease and offers broad experience in multidisciplinary biopharma research.
Primary Responsibilities- Design and execute in vivo studies that de-risk novel targets, using genetic knockdown/overexpression and tool molecules to test target-phenotype links
- Outsource or internally establish rodent cardiac disease models, including transgenic lines and surgical models such as TAC and MI
- Run therapeutic screening studies that rank candidates on efficacy, dose-response, durability, and identify hit molecules for advancement
- Dose by multiple routes (IV, IP, SC, IM, PO, retro-orbital) and by osmotic minipump across longitudinal studies
- Lead study takedowns: necropsy, blood and tissue collection, and processing for histology, molecular, and ex vivo endpoints, including Langendorff cardiac dissociation
- Partner with Translational Sciences to establish bioanalytical methods for biodistribution and target engagement in rodent tissues, and align on models with clinical endpoints/biomarkers
- Analyze, interpret, and present data to project teams; keep study records in the ELN in line with IACUC and animal welfare standards
- Manage study logistics, manage budgets, flag capacity or timeline risks early, and ideate novel methods for pharmacology and physiology
Required Skills and Qualifications- PhD in physiology, pharmacology, cardiovascular biology, or a related field with 0-3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience; or MS with 5+ years of industry experience
- Hands-on rodent experience: handling, multi-route dosing, blood collection, survival surgery, and necropsy
- Track record using rodent disease models for target validation or efficacy testing of molecules
- Proven understanding of power analyses, methods of randomizing animal models and appropriate uses of statistical methods
- Strong data analysis skills (e.g., GraphPad) and clear written and verbal communication
- Organized and independent; able to run several longitudinal studies at once within a collaborative team
- Ability to regularly work onsite at HQ in New York City
Preferred Skills and Qualifications- Industry experience in a small, fast-paced biotech is highly preferred
- Working knowledge of qPCR/ddPCR for vector/mRNA, ELISA/LC-MS for ASO, RNAscope/IHC for tissue localization, WB/ ELISA/MSD for protein detection
- Hands-on echocardiography in mice and rats (e.g., Vevo)
- ECG and blood pressure telemetry implantation and analysis in mice and rats (e.g., Ponemah)
- Cardiac surgical models (TAC, MI) and invasive hemodynamics (PV-loop)
- Demonstrated experience with models of neurodegenerative disease, particularly ataxia or cerebellar disorders, including execution and interpretation of rotarod, gait analysis, balance beam, grip strength, and longitudinal behavioral studies
- In vivo experience working with and advancing AAV or oligonucleotide therapeutics
- Experience selecting and evaluating CROs to perform animal studies
- AALAS certification or equivalent
$111,400 - $150,000 a year
Compensation is dependent on qualifications and experience
