Scientist, Discovery Biology

Denali Therapeutics; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Healthcare coverage

ESPP

Job summary

Denali Therapeutics is seeking a highly qualified scientist to advance its CNS drug delivery programs. The role focuses on designing and executing in vivo and ex vivo studies, generating PK/PD data, and applying biomarker strategies to guide candidate selection.

You will work with CNS biology, Safety and DMPK teams, applying RNA, qPCR, ELISAs, immunofluorescence, and microscopy in preclinical models. Strong communication and independent work are essential.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related field; or a Master’s with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on proficiency in wet lab techniques including RNA extraction, qPCR, tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, microscopy and ELISAs.
• Experience with in vivo CNS models and tissue-based studies; strong experimental design and data analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vivo and ex vivo studies to inform candidate progression and PK/PD modeling.
• Generate PK/PD data in preclinical models with Safety and DMPK teams.
• Perform molecular assays including RNA extraction, qPCR, tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, microscopy and ELISAs.
• Troubleshoot issues to keep experiments on schedule; analyze data and report results.
• Document experiments in electronic lab notebooks; present designs and results to cross-functional teams.

Skills

Wet lab techniques

In vivo models

Data analysis

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

PhD in Neuroscience

MS + 3+ years experience

Tools

qPCR

ELISA

Microscopy

Immunofluorescence

Job description

Denali Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company pioneering a new class of biotherapeutics designed to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using its proprietary TransportVehicle™ platform. With the first FDA-approved biologic specifically designed to cross the BBB, a clinically validated delivery platform and a growing portfolio of therapeutic candidates across all stages of development, we are advancing toward our goal of delivering effective medicines to transform the lives of people living with neurodegenerative diseases, lysosomal storage disorders and other serious diseases.

We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.

Advances Denali’s oligonucleotide therapeutic pipeline by generating the in vivo and ex vivo evidence that guides candidate selection. Applies animal models, molecular and cellular assays, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies to validate targets, identify biomarkers, and inform therapeutic development. Partners with Preclinical Translational Sciences, Developmental Sciences, Safety, and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) scientists to move candidates through preclinical development. Delivers well-documented results that inform central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery and disease research decisions.

Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vivo and ex vivo studies that inform candidate progression, PK/PD modeling, and biomarker strategies
• Generate PK/PD data in preclinical models in partnership with Safety and DMPK scientists
• Perform molecular and biochemical assays, including RNA extraction, quantitative PCR, tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and ELISAs
• Troubleshoot technical issues to keep experiments on schedule
• Evaluate oligonucleotide therapeutic candidates in CNS tissue-based models
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and report quantitative results
• Document experiments completely in electronic lab notebooks
• Present experimental designs and study results to cross-functional teams and collaborators
• Apply emerging scientific literature and technologies in CNS drug delivery and disease research to study design

Qualifications/Skills

• Typically requires a PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific field; or a Master’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience in academia or pharmaceutical discovery/translational research
• Hands-on proficiency in wet lab techniques (for example RNA extraction, quantitative PCR, tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and ELISAs)
• Experience with in vivo models and CNS tissue-based studies
• Strong scientific reasoning in experimental design and data analysis
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and adapt in a fast-paced research environment

Salary Range: $110,000.00 to $143,000.00 . Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at https://www.denalitherapeutics.com/careers

This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.