Associate Scientist I, 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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Primary duties/responsibilities:

• 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.

• Under limited supervision, executes experiments as directed by the supervisor and communicates results as part of multi-disciplinary team(s).

• 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 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 ordering lab supplies as needed.

• Specific duties may also include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Assists in the development of biologically relevant alternatives to preclinical animal models.

• Conducts mechanism of drug activity studies.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Experienced in working with RNA, including RNA purification and quantification of gene expression (e.g. PCR, qRT-PCR, and ddPCR).

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture: Transient and stable DNA/RNA transfection, Lentiviral transduction, isolation of stable clones, cryopreservation, RNAi/CRISPR, cytotoxicity, cell-based reporter assays (e.g., luciferase assays, protein-protein interaction) and compound screening in 96- and/or 384-well format.

• Experience using standard cell and molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, SDS PAGE, western blot, ELISA/Mesoscale Discovery (MSD).

* Minimum level of education and years of relevant work experience.

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, preferably Biology or Biochemistry or Neuroscience with a minimum of 2-3 years' experience, OR, Master's degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 0- 2 years of relevant experience.

* Special knowledge or skills needed and/or licenses or certificates required.

• Demonstrates technical proficiency, scientific creativity, 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- preferably MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.

• 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 including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.

*Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.

• Ability to perform high throughput compound screening assays in 96- and/or 384-well format.

• Experience and familiarity with next generation RNA sequencing: library preparation methods, ability to optimize experimental workflows, familiarity with RNA sequencing platforms and related equipment.

• Knowledge of and ability to use standard molecular and cell biology techniques to investigate effect of hits from screen on RNA processing.

• Experience with mRNA expression profiling.

• Experience in high-throughput cell-based assays, laboratory automation and robotic plate handlers (e.g. JANUS, Assistant Plus).

* Travel requirements

• Up to 5%

*Physical requirements

• Office/Laboratory based-position, full-time on-site Mon-Fri.

Expected Base Salary Range

$74,000 - $90,000. 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.

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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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