Senior Scientist I, Cellular Neuroscience and Translational Pharmacology

Lexeo Therapeutics; New York (NY); On-site; USD 127,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lexeo Therapeutics seeks a Scientist II to establish a preclinical neuroscience laboratory supporting small-molecule and protein therapeutics. Lead rapid cellular profiling for lead optimization and drive cellular development for a transferrin-based protein replacement project, building fit-for-purpose neuronal models and workflows with external partnerships.

The role includes mentoring junior scientists, partnering across R&D teams, and expanding capabilities to ASO screening in the future;

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology, neuroscience, molecular biology, chemical biology, cell biology, or a related discipline.
• 1 to 3 years biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Hands-on experience in cellular pharmacology, assay development, and iterative drug discovery/lead optimization.
• Neuronal cell culture model experience, preferably human iPSC-derived neurons or glia.
• Experience with concentration–response, time-course, target engagement, pharmacodynamic, quantitative data analysis, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead a rapid, tiered cellular assay strategy for small-molecule lead optimization, including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, concentration-response, duration, selectivity, neuronal phenotype, stress, and tolerability.
• Lead cellular development of a transferrin-based protein replacement project by establishing quantitative assays for construct uptake, internalization, intracellular trafficking, protein abundance and integrity, mitochondrial response, and disease-relevant phenotypic rescue.
• Use orthogonal methods to distinguish surface-bound, internalized, degraded, and functionally delivered protein; compare constructs and define advancement criteria.
• Establish fit-for-purpose neuronal culture models, including iPSC-derived neurons or glia where they add decision value, with appropriate banking and quality control.
• Define assay controls, acceptance criteria, reproducibility standards, analysis plans, SOPs, sample tracking, and electronic documentation.
• Translate data into concise recommendations to advance, modify, or discontinue assets.
• Partner across protein engineering, chemistry, bioanalysis, DMPK, pathology, computational biology, and in vivo pharmacology; scientifically manage CROs and assay transfers.
• Mentor junior scientists and build workflows that are reproducible across operators. Future scope may include ASO screening in partnership with external experts.

Skills

Cellular pharmacology

Assay development

Neuronal cell culture

Data analysis

Scientific ownership

Communication skills

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

CRO management

Job description

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly collaborative, hands-on Scientist II to help establish a preclinical neuroscience laboratory supporting small-molecule and protein therapeutics. The immediate priorities are rapid cellular profiling and lead selection for an advanced small-molecule enzyme program, and leadership of cellular development for a transferrin-based protein replacement project. The role will also build fit-for-purpose human neuronal models, laboratory workflows, and external partnerships.

Location

We welcome applications from candidates located across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead a rapid, tiered cellular assay strategy for small-molecule lead optimization, including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, concentration-response, duration, selectivity, neuronal phenotype, stress, and tolerability
• Lead cellular development of a transferrin-based protein replacement project by establishing quantitative assays for construct uptake, internalization, intracellular trafficking, protein abundance and integrity, mitochondrial response, and disease-relevant phenotypic rescue
• Use orthogonal methods to distinguish surface-bound, internalized, degraded, and functionally delivered protein; compare constructs and define advancement criteria
• Establish fit-for-purpose neuronal culture models, including iPSC-derived neurons or glia where they add decision value, with appropriate banking and quality control
• Define assay controls, acceptance criteria, reproducibility standards, analysis plans, SOPs, sample tracking, and electronic documentation
• Translate data into concise recommendations to advance, modify, or discontinue assets
• Partner across protein engineering, chemistry, bioanalysis, DMPK, pathology, computational biology, and in vivo pharmacology; scientifically manage CROs and assay transfers
• Mentor junior scientists and build workflows that are reproducible across operators. Future scope may include ASO screening in partnership with external experts

Required Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology, neuroscience, molecular biology, chemical biology, cell biology, or a related discipline, plus 1 to 3 years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience
• Demonstrated experience in cellular pharmacology, assay development, and iterative drug discovery or lead optimization
• Hands-on experience with neuronal cell culture models, preferably human iPSC-derived neurons or glia
• Expertise in concentration-response, time-course, target-engagement, pharmacodynamic, quantitative data-analysis, and troubleshooting studies
• Concrete examples of scientific ownership in which an assay, platform, or data package influenced a program decision
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to maintain a substantial hands-on laboratory presence

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Enzyme biology, epigenetics, or transcriptional pharmacology; therapeutic proteins or targeted-delivery constructs; cellular uptake, trafficking, or protein quantification; mitochondrial functional assays; high-content imaging or neuronal functional assays; transferrin receptor biology, BBB transport, or biodistribution; laboratory start-up, assay transfer, or CRO management
• Exposure to ASO screening or RNA pharmacology is beneficial

$127,000 - $150,000 a year

Compensation is dependent on qualifications and experience

About LEXEO

Lexeo Therapeutics is a New York City-based, clinical stage company dedicated to reshaping the path of genetic disease. By advancing pioneering science, Lexeo seeks to set a new standard in the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological genetic diseases, charting the path to patient outcomes once thought out of reach. The Company is advancing a portfolio of therapeutic candidates designed to address the underlying genetic causes of disease, including LX2006 for Friedreich ataxia (FA), LX2020 for plakophilin-2 (PKP2) arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and others in devastating diseases with high unmet need.

LEXEO Therapeutics is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment.