Job title: Senior Scientist, Advanced Ocular In Vitro Models
Main Responsibilities- Lead scientific initiatives and research project teams to design, develop, and validate advanced in vitro ocular models for early and late-stage ophthalmic research.
- Lead and contribute to ophthalmology drug discovery programs, driving target validation, translational strategy, and pipeline progression.
- Establish and optimize differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived ocular cell types (e.g., RPE, RGCs, microglia, endothelial cells) for disease modeling and drug discovery.
- Integrate automation and robotics to scale workflows and improve reproducibility, including developing automated liquid handling protocols, implementing high-throughput imaging and data acquisition systems, and optimizing robotic platforms for multi-step differentiation processes. Ensure robust quality control and standardization across automated workflows to support large-scale screening and complex 3D model generation.
- Evaluate and implement innovative technologies (co-cultures, organoids, MPS, organ-on-chip, bioprinting) to enhance model complexity and translational relevance.
- Apply models to study disease mechanisms, validate targets, assess multi-modality therapeutics, and evaluate safety.
- Develop and validate assays for retinal degeneration, retinal immunology, and neuroinflammation to support mechanistic studies and therapeutic evaluation.
- Influence project strategies by providing scientific expertise and resource planning for team objectives.
- Deliver high-quality scientific presentations and documentation to support milestones and decision-making.
- Communicate findings through internal forums and external publications/presentations; maintain involvement in professional societies.
- Mentor junior scientists and foster a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration.
About YouEducation:
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience in a pharma or biopharma environment. Experience leading or contributing to drug discovery programs is preferred.
Experience & Technical Skills:
- Expertise in iPSC-based 2D/3D differentiation of ocular cell types for disease modeling and drug discovery.
- Hands-on experience with robotics, automated cell culture systems, and protocol scaling.
- Skilled in high-throughput pharmacological and genetic screening using iPSC-derived cells.
- Proficiency in qPCR, -omics technologies, immunocytochemistry, and advanced imaging and analysis.
- Demonstrated track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, or external presentations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leading or contributing to ophthalmology drug discovery programs in an industry or translational research setting.
- Experience and/or deep expertise in ocular disease indications such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, or other retinal diseases.
- Experience with CRISPR-based screening approaches for functional genomics and target validation.
- Proven ability to develop and optimize 3D ocular models (organoids, co-cultures, microphysiological systems).
- Expertise in automating differentiation protocols for scalability and reproducibility.
- Demonstrated leadership in research programs relevant to ocular disease, including cross-functional collaboration and strategic planning.
- Experience developing and validating assays for retinal degeneration, retinal immunology, and neuroinflammation.
- Experience with computational and statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, Python).
- Background in bioengineering with emphasis on cellular systems, microfluidics, and translational research.
Skills and Competencies:
- Ability to work independently and proactively in ambiguous situations.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; proven ability to influence and mentor.
- Effective resource planning and time management to meet project objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex ophthalmology research and drug discovery efforts across multidisciplinary teams.
Why Choose Us- Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
- Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it's through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
- Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
- Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks' gender-neutral parental leave.
- Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development and uses their insights to design studies that reflect real-world needs.
- Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.
- Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science.
The salary range for this position is:
$100.500,00 - $145.166,66
All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. Additional benefits information can be found through the LINK.
