Associate Scientist II, Biology

PTC Therapeutics is a global commercial biopharmaceutical company. For over 25 years our team has been deeply committed to a unified purpose: Extending life’s moments for children and adults living with a rare disease.

At PTC, we cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Visit our website to learn more about our company and culture!

Site: www.ptcbio.com

Job Description Summary

The Associate Scientist II, Biology is responsible for performing scientific experiments that contribute to research and drug discovery activities at PTC. This position assists in the conduct of early stage research, the goal of which is the identification of New Chemical Entities (NCEs), as well as the advancement of research programs from the identification of screening hits to advanced lead optimization. The incumbent is also responsible for communicating experimental results to his/her supervisor and the project team.

The Associate Scientist II, Biology supports adherence to all regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including as appropriate.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities

Primary duties/responsibilities:

• Under minimal supervision, executes experiments as directed by the supervisor and communicates results as part of multi-disciplinary team(s). May also design and conduct independent research experiments.
• Analyze data from experience and understanding of databases such as prism, excel, etc.
• Applies relevant scientific principles and techniques to research problems.
• Maintains detailed laboratory notebooks.
• Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and techniques and may contribute to the identification of new project areas or technologies.
• Presents findings internally and externally and contributes to the publication of the work of the project team in well-established and peer reviewed journals, subject to internal scientific and legal approval.
• May provide technical and scientific input to the project team or research leadership.
• Contributes to the development of patent applications as appropriate.
• Complies with all safety requirements.
• Contributes to general lab operations such as:
• Equipment maintenance.
• Identification of capital equipment needs.
• Maintenance of clean and uncluttered work areas.
• Maintain Inventory and order supplies as needed.
  
  

• Specific duties may also include, but may not be limited to, the following:
• Provides support for high throughput screening including the design of primary assays, the goal of which is the identification of additional hits and new chemical scaffolds.
• Provides support for lead optimization by screening compounds and/or supporting structure activity relationship (SAR) studies involving the characterization of the biological activity of compounds in various assays. Profiles selected compounds in additional cells/assays.
• Provides support for in vivo studies as required.
• Assists in the development of biologically relevant alternatives to preclinical animal models.
• Conducts mechanism of drug activity studies.
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Mammalian tissue culture experience, nucleic acid transfection, stable clone generation, cryopreservation, cytotoxicity and cell-based reporter assays.
• Experienced in working with RNA, including RNA purification and quantification of gene expression (e.g. Endpoint PCR, qRT-PCR, and ddPCR).
• Experience using standard cell and molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, SDS PAGE, western blot, ELISA/Mesoscale Discovery (MSD).
• Hands-on experience in cell sorting techniques, including Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS).
• Experience in handling human and mouse blood samples
• Minimum level of education and years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, preferably Neuroscience with a minimum of 5 years’ experience or Master’s degree in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.
• Special knowledge or skills needed and/or licenses or certificates required.
• Demonstrates high technical proficiency, scientific creativity, independent thought, and the ability to collaborate with others on cross functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed, environment consisting of internal and external team members.
• Possesses knowledge of scientific principles and concepts and keeps current with relevant scientific literature.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Graphpad Prism.
• Effective verbal and written communication and skills.
• Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Effective planning, organization and time management skills include the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.
• Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.
• Immunoassay experience – moderate to high-throughput assays for protein detection using different platforms – western blotting, MSD, ELISA
• Background in neuroscience
• Experience in assay development
• Proficiency in flow cytometry is preferred.
• Travel requirements
• Up to 5%
• Office/Laboratory based-position, full-time on-site Mon-Fri.
• Flexible scheduling, including occasional weekend work, is required to maintain healthy cell cultures.
• Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.
• Immunoassay experience – moderate to high-throughput assays for protein detection using different platforms.
• Knowledge of and ability to use standard molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Experience with mRNA expression profiling.
• Travel requirements
• Up to 5%
• Office/Laboratory based position
  
  

Expected Base Salary Range

$81,000 - $100,000. The base salary offered will be contingent on assessment of candidate education level, background, and experience relative to the requirements of the position they are being considered for, as well as review of internal equity.

In addition to base salary, PTC employees are also eligible for short- and long-term incentives. All eligible employees may also enroll in PTC’s medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings plans.

EEO Statement

PTC Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

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