Scientist, Discovery Pharmacology

About the role

We're seeking a Scientist, Discovery Pharmacology to join our Research team. Reporting to the Senior Director, Research, you'll contribute to the development, optimization, and validation of in vitro assay cascades to support candidate screening and progression. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to validate therapeutic targets, identify and characterize biomarkers, investigate mechanisms of action, and support the analysis and interpretation of data generated from in vivo studies.

Responsibilities

• Culture, maintain, and characterize relevant cell types, including primary cells and mammalian cell lines such as neutrophils, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, mouse bone marrow progenitors, PLB-985 cells, and other relevant cell lines for in vitro/ex vivo assays.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and execute in vitro assay cascades, including cell-based and functional assays, to assess compound activity, efficacy, selectivity, and off-target potential, and provide data-driven recommendations to support candidate drug progression and project decision-making.
• Perform and optimize neutrophil functional assays, including neutrophil extracellular trap formation assays and flow cytometry-based assays, to characterize compound activity, support efficacy validation, and enable candidate drug prioritization.
• Design, plan, and execute mechanism-of-action studies leveraging gene expression profiling and protein-based analytical platforms to elucidate biological pathways and characterize target engagement and downstream effects.
• Support downstream analyses from in vivo studies, including sample collection, processing, and ex vivo characterization using flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, imaging-based assays, and other relevant analytical techniques.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely electronic laboratory records, including experimental procedures, method development, raw data, analyses, and study summaries.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations as needed.
• Conduct data quality control, statistical analyses, and data visualization to ensure data integrity and support decision-making using tools such as Excel, XLfit, GraphPad Prism, and FlowJo.
• Conduct critical reviews of scientific literature to support experimental design, target validation, biomarker strategies, and program development.
• Ensure proper operation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Present scientific findings and experimental updates at internal team meetings and external scientific forums as needed.

Requirements

• You have a PhD with 2 years of experience or MS with 7 years of experience in immunology, molecular and cellular biology, or a related field.
• You must have hands-on experience in primary and mammalian cell culture and standard molecular and cellular biology techniques, with demonstrated expertise in the development, optimization, and execution of in vitro assays to support target validation, mechanism-of-action studies, and therapeutic candidate evaluation.
• You must have hands-on expertise in imaging techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and high-content imaging systems. Experience in conducting NET formation assays in primary cells is a plus.
• You must have strong communication (verbal and written) and problem-solving skills.
• You must have excellent organizational and time management skills, with meticulous attention to detail to ensure clarity, accuracy, and concision.
• You must have a strong sense of enthusiasm, autonomy, and self-motivation.
• You must be able to work collaboratively and efficiently in a team environment.

Qualifications

• You must have a strong foundation and proven expertise in innate immunity, and in particular neutrophil biology.
• You must have clear, effective communication (verbal and written) and strong problem-solving skills.
• You must have a high degree of organization and time management skills, with meticulous attention to detail to ensure clarity, accuracy, and concision.
• You must have a strong sense of enthusiasm, autonomy, and self-motivation.
• You must be able to work collaboratively and efficiently in a team environment.

Skills

• Strong foundation and proven expertise in innate immunity, and in particular neutrophil biology.
• Hands-on experience in primary and mammalian cell culture and standard molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience in developing, optimizing, and executing in vitro assays to support target validation, mechanism-of-action studies, and therapeutic candidate evaluation.
• Expertise in imaging techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and high-content imaging systems.
• Experience in conducting neutrophil functional assays, including NET formation assays and flow cytometry-based assays.
• Clear, effective communication (verbal and written) and strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with meticulous attention to detail to ensure clarity, accuracy, and concision.
• A strong sense of enthusiasm, autonomy, and self-motivation.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently in a team environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and mental health support.
• Annual wellbeing reimbursement and access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Generous paid time off policies, fertility and family-forming benefits, caregiver support, and flexible work schedules with purposeful in-person collaboration.
• 401(k) plan with a competitive company match, annual equity awards, and participation in Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Employee resource groups, service and recognition programs, and meaningful opportunities to connect, volunteer, and give back.

Pay

$103,000.00 - $131,000.00 Annual

Schedule

This role is based out of our Bridgewater, NJ office and requires full-time, in-person presence to support hands-on collaboration, access specialized equipment, and/or operational needs.

Travel

Minimal travel expected