Senior/Principal Associate Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

Building on our founders’ Nobel-prize winning discoveries in RNA interference, Atalanta Therapeutics is developing novel branched siRNA therapeutics to treat severe neurological diseases at the root cause. With a deep and robust internal pipeline, Atalanta is poised to make a difference in patients’ lives with a powerful and transformative technology. Atalanta fosters a culture of integrity, respect, collaboration, opportunity, learning, and fun. We are located in Boston’s vibrant Seaport district near South Station.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Atalanta is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Scientist/Senior associate Scientist to join the in vivo pharmacology group to support Atalanta’s drug discovery programs. This individual will have extensive hands‑on experience in performing neuroscience specialized survival surgeries, pharmacological administration, brain and tissue collection, and in processing CNS tissue and molecular analysis to assess target gene and protein expression. We are seeking candidates who thrive in a team‑oriented, fast‑paced, and cross‑disciplinary small biotech environment.

The Associate Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist will be responsible for assay development and execution of experiments to determine the biodistribution, pharmacodynamic properties and efficacy of oligonucleotides in research and preclinical studies supporting multiple drug discovery programs and platform discovery research.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with pharmacology team members to design and execute assays to assess the pharmacological activity, biodistribution and efficacy of oligos in research and preclinical studies to support development of oligonucleotide therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
• Perform test article dosing via various administration routes such as brain stereotactic injection, intrathecal injection (lumber and cisterna magna), and systemic administration including I.V. I.P and I.M as well as hydrodynamic injections (HDI).
• Perform rodent perfusion and tissue collection.
• Perform various molecular and biochemical assays on tissue samples from preclinical studies for a variety of CNS drug development programs, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of target mRNAs and proteins
• Manage tissue analysis and oversee the transfer and storage of samples from rodent and large animal studies performed at external contract vivarium facilities.
• Independent analysis and interpretation of data, careful documentation experiments and presentation of results within the company

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree (with a minimum of 6+ years of industry and/or academic experience) or a Master’s degree (with a minimum of 6+ years of industry and/or academic experience); Position level commensurate with experience
• Hands on experience conducting in vivo studies and should be skilled in rodent surgeries (including stereotactic and intrathecal surgeries/injections highly preferable) dosing (e.g. - IV, HDI, IP, SC, IM), behavioral assays and rodent necropsy techniques.
• Hands‑on experience in molecular and biochemical assays including tissue DNA/RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and tissue imaging by microscopy.
• Experience in CNS tissue harvesting and processing including rodent brain collection, sample collection from large animal brain and spinal cord and tissue homogenization would be preferred.
• Self‑motivation, ability to work independently, excellent organization skills with strong attention to details.
• Ability to adapt and exercise flexibility for changing platform needs, workflows and projects.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written).

We are committed to ensuring all employees, both current and future, receive fair and equitable pay. Base pay is one component of the total compensation package, and is determined within a range according to role, level, and location. This provides the opportunity for growth as you gain experience and develop within a role, while also allowing for differentiation based on performance. The base pay range for this role is between $100,000-$155,000 and reflects our good faith estimate of the minimum and maximum target for the position as of the date of posting and may be modified in the future. The final base pay within the range will be determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and market demand for your expertise.

Atalanta is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Atalanta will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals