Senior/ Principal Scientist in Molecular and Cell Biology

작업 내용

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 a Senior or Principal Scientist with expertise in molecular and cell biology to strengthen our Neuroscience Discovery Biology group. As part of our continuous evolution we are building a cross-disciplinary team working on novel gene therapeutics for neurological diseases. This is an exciting role for talented and experienced PhD 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:

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team implementing and running novel CNS small molecule or gene therapy projects from scientific point of view and from the bench. The remits of the Neuroscience Discovery Biology group include but are not limited to support our pre-clinical CNS small molecule, antibody and gene therapy projects.

You will be providing high quality data and scientific support, keeping up-to-date with relevant scientific literature and pro-actively searching for new methodologies. In order to achieve these goals, the group has access to state-of-the-art equipment and technologies either internally or through international collaborations.

The candidate is expected to have experience in one or more of following techniques: iPSC culture and differentiation to neural cells, molecular biology (plasmid design, qPCR, ddPCR, CRISPR), ‘omics techniques and cell based assay development using multiple read-outs as ELISA, MSD, high content imaging, western blot. 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:

The ideal candidate will have acquired his/her PhD degree in the neuroscience field. You will be skilled in molecular and cell based assay development. Knowledge in translating preclinical to clinical gene therapy projects for CNS disorders will be considered as additional asset.

We are looking for candidates who can show one or more of following skills:

• Proven expertise in differentiation protocols to generate neural cell types from iPSC in 2D and 3D cultures;
• 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 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.