Scientist, Neurology Research Unit, ALS Research Group

Planet Pharma Group; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Scientist to support discovery-stage ALS research. You will perform molecular biology and cell-based assays, including qPCR, ddPCR, Western blot, IP/Protein assays, and iPSC-derived neuron work to elucidate target mechanisms.

You will generate data, troubleshoot assays, and contribute to figures and summaries for ongoing projects, while maintaining meticulous documentation and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Strong molecular biology background with genomics and proteomics experience.
• Mammalian cell culture experience, including iPSC-derived neurons.
• Analytical mindset with rigorous documentation and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Execute molecular and cell-based experiments for ALS discovery.
• Generate and analyze genomic and proteomic data using qPCR, ddPCR, and Western blotting.
• Perform protein-based assays including immunostaining and imaging analyses.
• Support target validation studies with transduction and assay development.

Skills

qPCR

ddPCR

Western blot

Protein assays

Immunostaining

Fluorescence microscopy

Image analysis

iPSC-derived neurons

Mammalian cell culture

Transfection

Viral transduction

Target validation

Education

PhD or MS level

Tools

HTRF

AlphaLISA

MSD

Immunoprecipitation

Job description

Pay range: 45-55/hr
*depending on exp

The Neurology Research Unit, ALS Research Group, is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to support exploratory discovery research focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ALS. This role is situated within early-stage research efforts dedicated to target identification and target validation and provides the opportunity to contribute to hypothesis-driven studies addressing fundamental questions in ALS biology.
The successful candidate will work closely with scientists to design, execute, and analyze experiments aimed at investigating genomic and proteomic alterations in ALS-relevant pathways. Key responsibilities include performing molecular biology assays such as quantitative PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and gel electrophoresis to assess gene expression, as well as conducting western blot analyses to assess protein expression.
The role will also involve proteomic studies, including immunoprecipitation (IP) and protein quantification using HTRF, AlphaLISA, and MSD assay platforms. Additional responsibilities include routine mammalian cell culture; plasmid transfection and viral transduction of both human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines; and supporting target validation studies through immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
The successful candidate will perform co-localization, morphological, and phenotypic assessments to enable the functional characterization of candidate therapeutic targets relevant to ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases.
Primary deliverables include the generation of high-quality, reproducible experimental data; rigorous documentation of methods and results; and preliminary data analysis. The student will contribute to data summaries, figures, and internal scientific presentations, and will assist with assay development, optimization, and validation to support target-focused research objectives. All work will be conducted in accordance with established laboratory safety, quality, and data integrity standards.
Candidates should have a strong molecular biology background with a solid understanding of genomics and proteomics, supported by knowledge and technical experience in molecular and cellular biology. The ideal candidate will have training equivalent to PhD level program in biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Strong analytical skills, scientific rigor, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential for success in this role.

What You’ll Do:

As a Scientist, you will support discovery-stage ALS research by executing molecular and cell-based experiments that contribute to target identification and validation efforts. You will generate and analyze genomic and proteomic data using qPCR, ddPCR, western blotting, and protein-based assays, including immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis, while employing iPSC-derived neurons and cell lines to assess target function. You will participate in experimental planning, troubleshoot assays, and deliver well-documented datasets, figures, and summaries that inform ongoing research projects, including studies focused on ALS mechanisms and approaches to modulate the structural and functional properties of key targets.

Who You Are:

• You have a strong foundation in molecular biology with hands-on experience in genomics- and proteomics-based assays, including qPCR, ddPCR, western blotting, and protein analysis methods.
• You are proficient in mammalian cell culture and have experience working with iPSC-derived neurons and/or established cell lines, including assay development and assay optimization.
• You demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, maintain rigorous experimental documentation, and are able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a research team.

Education Requirements

• Degree level(s) PhD or MS level
• Preferred majors/programs: Molecular Biology/Biochemistry or Neuroscience