Ocular Research Scientist - Retina & RNA Therapeutics

ADARx Pharmaceuticals Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in San Diego seeks an Ocular Research Scientist to advance preclinical programs for retinal diseases.

The role focuses on in vivo and in vitro ocular studies, including siRNA/oligonucleotide approaches, and emphasizes ERG, OCT, and histology endpoints to evaluate therapeutic activity. The candidate will lead or support mouse models of AMD and other retinal conditions, perform RNAscope and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses, and collaborate across discovery biology,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Ophthalmology/Vision Science, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or closely related discipline.
• Minimum 3–4 years of biotechnology/pharma experience in retinal or ocular drug discovery.
• Strong knowledge of retinal anatomy, physiology, disease mechanisms, and ocular pharmacology.
• Extensive hands-on experience with in vivo ocular rodent models (dosing, ocular injections, examinations, dissection).
• Experience with ERG and OCT data acquisition and interpretation.
• Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing and data analysis.
• Experience with RNAscope imaging and quantitative analysis.
• Proficiency in RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and imaging-based assays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in discovery of novel approaches for ocular siRNA and RNA editing, focusing on ophthalmology targets.
• Develop ocular mouse models relevant to AMD and other retinal diseases.
• Establish ocular in vivo systems to screen siRNAs via various delivery routes.
• Perform animal monitoring, sample collection, and necropsy per approved protocols.
• Conduct microdissection of ocular tissues (retina, RPE/choroid, etc.).
• Carry out functional and structural ophthalmic assessments (ERG, OCT, imaging).
• Design and execute RNAscope experiments to assess distribution and expression in ocular tissues.
• Perform single-cell RNA sequencing studies and integrate with other datasets.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across discovery biology, oligo, DMPK, and safety.
• Maintain records and prepare reports, presentations, and regulatory documents.

Skills

Ocular biology

In vivo ocular models

ERG & OCT analyses

Single-cell RNA-seq analysis

RNAscope imaging

Molecular biology techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Ophthalmology/Vision Science, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or closely related discipline

Tools

RNAscope

RT-qPCR

Western blot

Immunohistochemistry

Imaging (OCT / Fundus)

Job description

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in San Diego seeks an Ocular Research Scientist to advance preclinical programs for retinal diseases.

The role focuses on in vivo and in vitro ocular studies, including siRNA/oligonucleotide approaches, and emphasizes ERG, OCT, and histology endpoints to evaluate therapeutic activity. The candidate will lead or support mouse models of AMD and other retinal conditions, perform RNAscope and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses, and collaborate across discovery biology,