Senior/Principal Associate Scientist, Neuroscience

Atalanta Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Atalanta Therapeutics in Boston’s Seaport district is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist to join our Research team. You will perform cell-based and tissue-based assays, support in vivo pharmacology studies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary scientists to advance discovery through preclinical development.

The role requires strong molecular biology skills, experience with RT-qPCR and immunoassays, and a track record of precise data collection in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• MS in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 6+ years of experience.
• Or B.S. with 6+ years of relevant industry or academic experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including immortalized cell lines and/or iPSC-derived cells.
• Experience with rodent tissue collection and processing.
• Extensive experience with mRNA extraction, RT-qPCR, and immunoassays (MSD/ELISA).
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and within a matrixed team.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement cell-based assays for in vitro assessment of target modulation and cellular uptake.
• Support the execution of rodent in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Collect tissues for molecular, biochemical, and histological analyses.
• Perform RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, MSD/ELISA assays to assess endpoints.
• Analyze data and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Present results to project teams and contribute to study design and interpretation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support discovery and preclinical development activities.

Skills

Cell culture

In vivo pharmacology

RNA analysis

ELISA/MSD assays

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

M.S. in Neuroscience/Pharmacology/Molecular Biology

B.S. in Life Sciences

Job description

Building on our founders’ Nobel-prize winning discoveries in RNA interference, Atalanta Therapeutics is developing novel branched siRNA therapeutics to treat severe neurological diseases at the root cause. With a deep and robust internal pipeline, Atalanta is poised to make a difference in patients’ lives with a powerful and transformative technology. Atalanta fosters a culture of integrity, respect, collaboration, opportunity, learning, and fun. We are located in Boston’s vibrant Seaport district near South Station.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Atalanta is seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist to join our Research team and support the discovery and preclinical development of novel therapeutics for neurological diseases. This is a hands-on, laboratory-based position requiring experience in neuroscience research and molecular biology techniques. The successful candidate will perform cell-based and tissue-based assays, support in vivo pharmacology studies, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary scientists to advance therapeutic programs from discovery through preclinical development.

This role is ideal for an organized, detail-oriented scientist who thrives in a fast-paced biotech environment and enjoys contributing across multiple stages of preclinical research.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implementation of cell-based assays for in vitro assessment of oligonucleotide compounds.This includes but is not limited to evaluation of the biological effects of target modulation, quantitation of mRNA and protein expression changes, and assessment of siRNA design modifications on cellular uptake, activity and toxicity.
• Support the execution of rodent in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Collect and process tissues for downstream molecular, biochemical, and histological analyses.
• Perform RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and MSD assays to assess pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic endpoints.
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
• Present results to project teams and contribute to study design and interpretation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support discovery and preclinical development activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline with 6+ years of relevant industry or academic experience, or B.S. with 6+ years of relevant experience. Level will be commensurate with experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including immortalized cell lines and/or iPSC-derived cells.
• Experience with rodent tissue collection and tissue processing.
• Extensive experience with mRNA extraction, RT-qPCR, and immunoassays, including MSD and/or ELISA.
• Experience maintaining detailed laboratory records and analyzing experimental data.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and attention to detail
• Ability to work and think independently and contribute as a part of a highly matrixed team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience performing rodent dosing using IV and one or more CNS administration routes, including:
• Intrathecal lumbar (IT-L)
• Experience with histological techniques, including RNAscope and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC).
• Familiarity with neuroanatomy and CNS drug delivery.
• Experience supporting preclinical therapeutic development in an industry setting.

We are committed to ensuring all employees, both current and future, receive fair and equitable pay. Base pay is one component of the total compensation package, and is determined within a range according to role, level, and location. This provides the opportunity for growth as you gain experience and develop within a role, while also allowing for differentiation based on performance. The base pay range for this role is between $100,000-$155,000 and reflects our good faith estimate of the minimum and maximum target for the position as of the date of posting and may be modified in the future. The final base pay within the range will be determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and market demand for your expertise.

Atalanta is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

Atalanta will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals