Scientist I/II, CNS Discovery (Onsite in New Haven, CT)

Inspira Talent; Connecticut; On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company is seeking a Scientist in Target Identification & Validation to join their Discovery Biology team. The successful candidate will work on uncovering therapeutic targets for CNS disorders, applying strong molecular and cellular biology skills. Responsibilities include performing target validation studies, collaborating with other scientists, and analyzing experimental data. A PhD in the relevant field and a passion for neuroscience are required.

Qualifications

• Strong technical foundation in molecular and cellular biology.
• Experience in target validation or mechanistic studies.
• Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform target identification and validation studies.
• Collaborate with computational biologists and pharmacologists.
• Present experimental data in team meetings.

Skills

Molecular and cellular biology

Data analysis

Critical thinking

Communication

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

CRISPR

RNA-seq

ELISA

Job description

This range is provided by Inspira Talent. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$100,000.00/yr - $120,000.00/yr

The Role

We’re seeking a Scientist, Target Identification & Validation to join the Discovery Biology team and contribute to early‑stage programs focused on uncovering and characterizing novel therapeutic targets for CNS disorders. This is an exciting, hands‑on role for a motivated bench scientist with strong molecular and cellular biology skills who’s eager to work at the intersection of neurobiology, genomics, and drug discovery.

You’ll play a key part in building the biological foundation for new programs — using cutting‑edge tools to elucidate disease mechanisms, validate targets, and generate data that advance compounds toward preclinical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform target identification and validation studies using in vitro and ex vivo models relevant to neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.
• Apply molecular and cellular techniques (e.g., CRISPR‑based perturbation, siRNA/shRNA knockdown, overexpression, reporter assays, qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, immunocytochemistry).
• Utilize omics datasets (transcriptomic, proteomic, or single‑cell) to prioritize and mechanistically characterize novel targets.
• Support the design and execution of high‑content imaging and functional assays (e.g., calcium flux, neurite outgrowth, synaptic marker quantification).
• Collaborate closely with computational biologists, chemists, and pharmacologists to integrate experimental findings with bioinformatic and pharmacologic insights.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data in team meetings and cross‑functional reviews.
• Maintain high‑quality experimental documentation and contribute to internal reports and study summaries.

Preferred Background

• PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related discipline.
• Strong technical foundation in molecular and cellular biology, with experience in target validation or mechanistic studies.
• Familiarity with CNS‑relevant systems — such as iPSC‑derived neurons, astrocytes, or microglia — is highly desirable.
• Exposure to omics or bioinformatics tools (RNA‑seq, proteomics, pathway analysis) preferred.
• Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently while working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Strong data organization, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Passion for neuroscience and curiosity about the molecular underpinnings of brain disease.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Science

Industries

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Biotechnology Research