Scientist I/II – Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases Pharmacology

Key Responsibilities

• Translational Pharmacology
• Independently design and execute integrated in vitro and in vivo studies aligned with project objectives.
• Generate high-quality, decision-enabling data through rigorous experimental design, troubleshooting, statistical analysis, and interpretation.
• Present findings and recommendations at internal project meetings while maintaining accurate documentation and study timelines.
• In Vitro Functional Pharmacology
• Perform ASO and siRNA transfection studies.
• Conduct dose-response and time-course experiments to evaluate target knockdown, potency, durability, and functional outcomes.
• Assess assay robustness, cytotoxicity, and potential off-target effects.
• Metabolic Cell Models
• Culture and maintain relevant metabolic cell models, including primary hepatocytes, HepG2, C2C12 myotubes, and 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
• Develop and perform mechanistic assays relevant to obesity and MASH, including:
• Lipid accumulation and steatosis (Oil Red O, BODIPY)
• Glucose uptake, insulin sensitivity, and fatty acid oxidation
• Mitochondrial respiration and bioenergetics (Seahorse XF)
• Triglyceride, cholesterol, and inflammatory biomarker measurements
• Molecular Biology
• Perform RT-qPCR/qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA/Luminex, RNA/protein extraction, and downstream molecular analyses to evaluate target engagement and pharmacodynamic responses.
• In Vivo Pharmacology & PK/PD
• Develop, submit, and maintain IACUC protocols and ensure compliance with institutional animal welfare regulations.
• Execute efficacy and PK/PD studies in lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse models.
• Perform rodent dosing (SC, IV, IP, PO), metabolic assessments (oGTT/ipGTT, ITT, PTT, metabolic cages), and monitor body weight, composition, food intake, activity, and tolerability.
• Collect blood and tissues for pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and biomarker analyses, and support bioanalytical workflows.
• Establish exposure-response relationships to guide translational decision-making.

Data Analysis & Scientific Reporting

• Analyze experimental data using GraphPad Prism, Excel, ImageJ, and qPCR analysis software.
• Apply appropriate statistical analyses (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, EC50) and maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records.
• Prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and study documentation supporting project progression.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, or a related discipline with 10-12 years OR PhD with 7 years of relevant hands-on experience in in vitro and in-vivo pharmacology.
• Demonstrated expertise in study design, execution, troubleshooting, data analysis, and scientific reporting with minimal supervision.
• Proven experience developing and managing IACUC protocols for rodent studies.
• Strong understanding of experimental rigor, reproducibility, data integrity, and laboratory documentation.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaborative skills with a translational research mindset.
• Prior experience with RNA therapeutics (ASO/siRNA) is required.
• Experience in metabolic disease pharmacology is desirable but not essential.