Summary

The Scientist I will work as part of a cross-disciplinary team and will primarily be responsible for conducting in vivo evaluations of cell therapy candidates, including neurosurgical procedures, immunohistochemical/imaging assays, and assay development of test systems in coordination with a supervising Sr. Scientist. The ideal candidate for this newly created role has experience with rodent surgery, specifically in rats. This individual will be a key member of Aspen’s expanding and collaborative Translational Sciences team in support of Aspen’s scientific and corporate goals and objectives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform, with guidance, small animal stereotaxic neurosurgery, necropsy, and basic animal husbandry. • Provides input on study design and makes recommendations on project goals
• Coordinate and concisely present functional/behavioral assays and endpoint statistical analyses to company with collaboration.
• Complete post-mortem brain tissue processing and complex histological procedures including immunohistochemistry (colorimetric & fluorescent), imaging, and data analysis using platforms pertinent to translational neuroscience research.
• Support team in identifying and troubleshooting immunohistochemistry and imaging applications for new assay development and qualification.
• Collaborate to develop and qualify new IHC pipeline, high-throughput imaging workflows and material resources supporting the company’s R&D programs.
• Make detailed observations, compile and file records with R&D department, maintain data on results of analysis, and communicate results to supervisor and R&D scientists.
• Presents hypotheses, progress reports, technical reports, and future plans internally at Translational Sciences and R&D project team meetings, and cross functionally in a concise manner.
• Contributes to the design of complex experiments and writing associated protocols, SOPs, summaries, and reports. • Work with Aspen’s various cross-functional teams to contribute to IND-enabling and Proof of Concept studies.
• Maintain lab notebook in a timely and organized manner. • Provide technical training in surgery, histology, and imaging to colleagues as requested. 
• Support work of contributing scientists for publication/patent.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, or related discipline with at least 5 years hands on experience working in a molecular or cellular research environment.
• Experience in small animal neurosurgery and/or cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative disease is required.
• Experience delivering cell and gene products to the brain.
• Experience with microtome sectioning, immunohistochemistry staining and imaging

Job Specifications:

• Ability to perform stereotaxic surgery with little to no guidance is required.
• Rodent handling, histology, and imaging suite applications (i.e., Visiopharm and ImageJ) proficiency is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of disease modeling or assay development is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of translational biomarker development or multi-omics preferred.
• Possess strong laboratory skills and knowledge of scientific principles related to Aspen’s therapeutic programs.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills • Strong quantitative skills such as statistical analysis.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work well with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures and to adapt and adjust in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently at least 50% of the time with minimal oversight.
• Travel domestically at varying levels (up to 20%) throughout the year and sometimes at short notice, will be required. International travel may eventually be required so the ability to apply for a US Passport or traveling Visa will be required.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours.

EEO and Employment Eligibility:

Aspen Neuroscience is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Total Rewards and Culture:

Aspen Neuroscience, Inc., located in scenic Torrey Pines, is noted for its collaborative and learning focused culture where each person is valued for contributing their strengths and energy to building a world-class line of products for patients in need. The company offers a competitive total compensation package, time-off in addition to Company observed holidays, Medical/Dental insurance benefits, onsite gym, and other wellness perks.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego is $85k-$135k annually. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.  Aspen Neuroscience is multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.