Principal Scientist, Epilepsy Research

JAX; Bar Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 136,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + bonus

Equity

Medical, dental, vision

PTO

Conference attendance support

Job summary

JAX seeks a Lead Scientist to advance epilepsy research within Rare Disease Research. You will spearhead in vivo mouse models and ex vivo brain slice work, generate pivotal datasets, and mentor early-career scientists.

The role integrates pharmacology and translational aims to align preclinical findings with therapeutic hypotheses. You will design dose–response and time-course studies, contribute to IND-enabling efforts, and lead collaborations across disciplines while shaping the direction of

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research with epilepsy or seizure biology.
• Expert-level in in vivo electrophysiology and brain slice methods.
• Strong publication record in related CNS fields.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and lead seizure studies in mouse epilepsy models.
• Lead in vivo electrophysiology and ex vivo slice experiments; mentor staff.
• Drive preclinical therapeutic development and regulatory-ready data packages.
• Collaborate across chemistry, pharmacology, and translational teams.

Skills

In vivo electrophysiology

Brain slice electrophysiology

Preclinical drug development

Scientific leadership

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

Clampfit

Spike2

MATLAB

Python

Job description

## Principal Scientist, Epilepsy ResearchApply: Bar Harbor, Maine: Posted 30+ Days Ago: JR005911We are seeking an exceptional Lead Scientist to join our Rare Disease Research team in a senior, high-impact role. This position is central to our mission of advancing the understanding and treatment of epilepsy, and is suited to an accomplished researcher who combines deep mechanistic expertise with a strong drive toward therapeutic translation.The Lead Scientist will spearhead electrophysiology-based research programs using both in vivo mouse models and ex vivo brain slice preparations, generate and own key datasets, mentor junior scientists, and contribute meaningfully to our drug and therapeutic pipeline. This role offers significant scientific autonomy and the opportunity to shape the direction of the epilepsy program.**In Vivo Research & Mouse Models*** Design, execute, and lead seizure studies using established and novel mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., kainate, pilocarpine, kindling, genetic models such as Scn1a+/−).* Plan and perform chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings (EEG/LFP) to quantify seizure burden, inter-ictal activity, and network dynamics.* Oversee surgical implantation of recording electrodes and manage long-term telemetric monitoring cohorts.* Develop and validate new in vivo model systems relevant to drug-resistant or pediatric epilepsies.**Ex Vivo Electrophysiology*** Execute and lead acute and organotypic brain slice preparation with high reproducibility across hippocampal, cortical, and thalamocortical circuits.* Perform whole-cell patch-clamp and field potential recordings to characterize intrinsic neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and network-level epileptiform activity.* Analyze pharmacological modulation of ion channels, GABAergic/glutamatergic systems, and other therapeutic targets in slice preparations.**Therapeutic Development*** Serve as the primary electrophysiology lead in evaluating candidate therapeutics (small molecules, biologics, gene therapy approaches) across preclinical models.* Design and execute dose-response, time-course, and mechanistic studies to characterize compound efficacy and tolerability in the CNS.* Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and translational teams to align preclinical findings with clinical hypotheses.* Contribute to IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions by providing high-quality preclinical data packages.**Scientific Leadership & Collaboration*** Lead a small team of research scientists and associates, providing mentorship, experimental guidance, and career development support.* Define research priorities, drive experimental strategy, and ensure rigorous, reproducible science across the team.* Present findings at internal research reviews, external conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications.* Build and maintain collaborations with academic KOLs, clinical epileptologists, and external research partners.* Contribute to grant writing, scientific communications, and IP generation as appropriate.## Required Qualifications* PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a closely related discipline.* Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research experience, with a demonstrated track record in epilepsy or seizure biology.* Expert-level proficiency in in vivo electrophysiology, including EEG recording and analysis in rodent seizure models.* Expert-level proficiency in brain slice preparation and patch-clamp or field potential electrophysiology.* Extensive hands-on experience with rodent models of epilepsy and associated surgical, behavioral, and data analysis workflows.* Direct experience contributing to preclinical therapeutic development programs, including target validation and compound profiling.* Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to epilepsy, ion channel biology, or CNS pharmacology.* Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments and communicate findings clearly.## Preferred Qualifications* Experience with genetic mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome, KCNQ2, CDKL5).* Familiarity with advanced imaging modalities (e.g., calcium imaging, optogenetics) in the context of seizure research.* Experience with translational biomarker development or clinical EEG interpretation.* Prior experience in a biotech, pharma, or translational research environment.* Familiarity with regulatory expectations for preclinical CNS packages (FDA/EMA guidelines).* Experience with gene therapy or RNA-based therapeutic modalities.## Skills & Competencies* Scientific rigor and meticulous attention to reproducibility and data quality.* Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency with electrophysiology analysis software (e.g., Clampfit, Spike2, custom MATLAB/Python pipelines).* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data to cross-functional stakeholders.* Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and organizational boundaries.* Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.* Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring junior scientists and driving team-level deliverables.## What We Offer* A senior, high-visibility role at the forefront of epilepsy research and drug discovery.* Significant scientific autonomy and the opportunity to shape the direction of a core research program.* A collaborative, mission-driven culture with access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.* Competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, and equity.* Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and generous PTO.* Support for conference attendance, publications, and continued professional development.**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities*** A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field* Extensive experience (typically 8+ years) in scientific research, preferably in a related industry or academic setting.* Proven track record of leading successful research projects, with a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in a specialized area.* Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.* Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.* Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.* Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements relevant to the industry.Education: Doctorate required/preferredExperience: 8 years required/ 10 years preferredPay Range: $136,461 - $212,147, salary is determined by experience