Research Associate - In Vitro Pharmacology

le contenu du travail

To strengthen our In vitro Pharmacologyteam, we are looking for a high caliber, self-motivated, Research Scientist in vitro pharmacology to bebased in Braine l’Alleud, Belgium.

UCB aspires to be the patient-centric global biopharmaceutical leader transforming the lives of people living with severe diseases. We focus on central nervous system and immunology disorders. Our promise is to help tackle the serious unmet medical needs affecting patients around the world. We now have an exciting opportunity in Early Solutions (our research organization) at our site in Braine L’Alleud Belgium, for bench scientists with expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, protein biochemistry or ‘omics technologies to strengthen our in vitro pharmacology department. As part of our continuous evolution we are building cross-disciplinary small molecules, biologics and gene therapy platforms to address neurological diseases. This is an exciting role for talented and experienced masters or bioengineers to work within the Neuroscience therapeutic area and engage in breakthrough research in a vibrant drug discovery environment – inspired by patients, driven by science.

You like to work in an environment where:

We are currently hiring talented scientists with background in molecular biology, cell biology, gene therapy, small molecule drug discovery, iPSC technology, high content imaging or ‘omics technologies (including Mass spectrometry), to join the Neuroscience In vitro pharmacology group. The remits of the group include the support of our pre-clinical CNS small molecule, antibody and gene therapy projects from high throughput screening to primary screening and mode of action, efficacy and biomarker studies on in vitro and ex vivo samples.

You will contribute by:

The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team, responsible for the development and execution of in vitro biochemical, binding, transduction and/or cellular assays. These assays are key for our preclinical drug discovery programs to assess potency, efficacy, safety and mode of action of AAV or small molecule therapies. To achieve these goals, the group has access to state-of-the-art equipment and technologies either internally or through international collaborations.

The candidate will be lab-based and is expected to have experience in one or more of following techniques: iPSC culture and differentiation to neural cells, 3D cultures, biochemical and/or binding assays, molecular biology (plasmid design, qPCR, ddPCR), microscopy and/or proteomics and transcriptomics techniques. Experience with automation platforms for compound or viral vector handling and cell culture is a plus.

The candidate must be highly motivated and possess the ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment that requires a high level of communication, organization, and collaboration as well as demonstrate enthusiasm and willingness to learn novel techniques and methodologies.

Interested? For this position you’ll need the following education, experience and skills:

Education and Experience

The ideal candidate will have acquired his/her master or engineering degree in the field of neurobiology, stem cell biology, gene therapy, protein biochemistry or ‘omics technologies with proven lab experience. She/He is able to set-up bespoke biological assays for novel gene therapy, small molecule or antibody projects.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills

• Proven expertise in differentiation protocols to generate neural cell types from iPSC in 2D and 3D cultures
• Proven expertise to develop 3D cell assays
• Proven experience with viral vector transductions of cell lines, primary neural cells or iPSC derived neural cells using AAV and Lentiviral vectors for potency assays and functional assays
• Proven experience in developing cell-based assays as flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, cellular target engagement, CETSA or immunofluorescent assays
• Proven experience in molecular biology techniques as plasmid design, qPCR, RNAseq, CRISPR guide design or single cell transcriptomics
• Proven experience with binding assays as SPR, competition binding assays
• Proven experience with bespoke protein assays including mass spectrometry
• Proven experience with bespoke imaging assays as high-content, confocal microscopy
• Proven experience with using liquid handling devices and knowledge on writing application protocols to support screening assays

Importantly, the candidate will demonstrate:

• Ability to accurately analyze and interpret experimental data, perform statistical analysis, formulate conclusions and communicate data with colleagues
• Ability to multitask,
• Strong interpersonal skills,
• Fluency in English (both written and oral) as this is the working language.

Why you should apply

We can offer you an informal and open working environment that does not lock scientists into structure and hierarchy. Freedom to take space to pursue your own ideas and make a difference. Opportunity to gain internal and external visibility through interactions with other UCB teams and with world-renown academic investigators. Opportunity to grow both as a drug hunter and leader through participation in project teams and our career/personal development programs.

At UCB, we strive to attract passionate and outstanding talents who thrive on change and are ready to bring real value to patients. Working for us you’ll discover a place where you can grow and express your full potential. We place an emphasis on innovation, collaboration and impact. Through meaningful recognition and a motivating work atmosphere, we aim to provide an optimal experience by caring about and valuing our employees – just as we do for the patients we serve.

If you believe you are the perfect match to join us on our pioneering adventure, then we invite you to apply and tell us more about your profile and motivation.