Scientist II, In-Vitro & Nonclinical Assay Development

Socket.dev; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement Savings 401k with company-m

Paid time off

Job summary

Tonix Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Scientist II to support preclinical programs through development and execution of in vitro and nonclinical assays. The role involves translational research using cell-based assays, DMPK/ADME, 3D culture, and organoid systems to evaluate therapeutic candidates.

You will work across discovery and development, generating high-quality data to inform program decisions. The candidate will collaborate with internal researchers and external partners/CROs, maintaining

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related life sciences with 2+ years of experience (or MS with 4+ years).
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech/nonclinical settings with in vitro assay development and DMPK/ADME.
• Strong hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture and molecular/biochemical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and execute in vitro cell-based and biochemical assays to support drug discovery and preclinical programs.
• Support DMPK/ADME assays including permeability, protein binding, metabolic/CYP assays, cytotoxicity, and other screenings.
• Develop 3D culture, spheroid, and organoid-based assays for translational and nonclinical studies.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

In vitro assay development

DMPK/ADME concepts

3D culture/organoids

Nonclinical pharmacology

Molecular techniques

Education

PhD in Life Sciences

Tools

RT‑PCR

Western blotting

ELISA

Luminescence assays

Microscopy

Job description

Tonix Pharmaceuticals* is a fully integrated, commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on central nervous system (CNS) and immunology treatments in areas of high unmet medical need. TONMYA® (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets 2.8 mg) is the first new treatment for fibromyalgia in adults in more than 15 years. Tonix’s CNS commercial infrastructure supports its marketed products, including its acute migraine products, Zembrace® Symtouch® (sumatriptan injection 3 mg) and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray 10 mg). Tonix is investigating TONMYA® in Phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate its potential in major depressive disorder and acute stress disorder/acute stress reaction. Tonix is also advancing a pipeline of immunology programs, including TNX-4800, a Phase 2 ready long-acting human anti-Borrelia OspA monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the prevention of Lyme disease in the U.S., and TNX-1500, a Phase 2 ready third‑generation CD40 ligand inhibitor for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection. In addition, the Company is progressing TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), which is Phase 2 ready for the treatment of Prader‑Willi syndrome, a rare disease. To learn more, visit www.tonixpharma.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn and X.

*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics; their efficacy and safety have not been established and have not been approved for any indication.

Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. TONMYA is a registered trademark of Tonix Pharma Limited. All other marks are property of their respective owners.

Job Summary

Scientist II will support Tonix Pharmaceuticals’ preclinical research programs through the development, optimization, and execution of in vitro and nonclinical assays. The role will contribute to translational research using cell-based assays, DMPK/ADME assays, 3D cell culture and organoid systems, and other nonclinical models to evaluate therapeutic candidates. The scientist will work collaboratively across discovery and development programs and generate high-quality, reproducible data to support program decisions.

Essential Functions

• Develop, optimize, and execute in vitro cell‑based and biochemical assays to support drug discovery and preclinical development programs.
• Perform and support DMPK/ADME assays, including permeability, protein binding, metabolic or CYP‑related assays, cytotoxicity, and other screening assays as appropriate.
• Develop and evaluate 3D cell culture, spheroid, and organoid‑based assay systems for translational and nonclinical studies.
• Support the development and execution of nonclinical assays and models for evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, pharmacology, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Design experiments, develop and optimize protocols, analyze data, troubleshoot assays, and document results in laboratory records and technical reports.
• Maintain mammalian cell culture systems, including established cell lines and primary or specialized cell systems as needed for project‑specific assays.
• Apply molecular, biochemical, imaging, and viability‑based assay methods, including techniques such as RT‑PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, luminescence‑based assays, microscopy, and related analytical readouts.
• Work collaboratively with internal scientists and external partners/CROs to support preclinical and DMPK studies.
• Prepare data summaries, presentations, protocols, reports, and other documentation supporting research programs and regulatory or development activities.
• Maintain accurate records and perform work in accordance with applicable laboratory, quality, and safety procedures.

Necessary Skills and Abilities

• Strong hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and in vitro assay development.
• Experience designing, optimizing, troubleshooting, and interpreting cell‑based, biochemical, or translational assays.
• Familiarity with DMPK/ADME assay concepts and laboratory methods is preferred.
• Experience with 3D culture systems, spheroids, organoids, or other advanced in vitro models is preferred.
• Experience supporting nonclinical or preclinical drug development studies.
• Proficiency with common molecular and biochemical laboratory techniques and quantitative data analysis.
• Strong experimental planning, problem‑solving, technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary project teams.

Educational Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related life sciences discipline; with 2+ years of relevant experience or an M.S. with 4+ years of relevant research experience.

Experience Requirements

• Relevant hands‑on research experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, government, or academic research environments.
• Experience with in vitro pharmacology, assay development, DMPK/ADME, 3D culture/organoid models, or nonclinical research is preferred.
• Experience generating reproducible experimental data and communicating results to multidisciplinary teams.

Salary Range

$100,000 — $140,000 USD

*Please note that Tonix does not offer sponsorship for this role.

Compensation & Benefits

Tonix provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Basic and Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, and Employee Assistance Programs
• Pet Insurance
• Retirement Savings 401k with company match and annual discretionary stock options
• Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Time, & Paid Holidays
• Career Development and Training

Tonix provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Tonix complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Tonix expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic, information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.