Senior Scientist, Neuroscience

Atalanta Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Atalanta Therapeutics in Boston’s Seaport is seeking a Senior Scientist I to join our Research team and drive discovery and preclinical development of novel CNS therapeutics. This lab-based role blends hands-on execution with scientific leadership, owning experimental strategy and cross-functional coordination to inform program decisions.

The successful candidate will design and execute experiments, mentor junior scientists, interpret complex data, and advance programs from target validation

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a life science with 5+ years of industry experience.
• Strong neuroscience background with discovery/preclinical experience.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and iPSC-derived models is preferred.
• Hands-on in vivo rodent studies including CNS dosing techniques.
• Ability to design experiments, interpret data, and drive decisions.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret experiments for CNS therapeutics.
• Lead multidisciplinary project initiatives and coordinate activities.
• Develop strategies, prioritize studies, and inform milestones.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and in vivo studies.
• Execute CNS dosing methods and collect tissues for analyses.
• Conduct RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, MSD, and ELISA assays.
• Analyze results, present findings, and prepare technical reports.
• Establish new assays and optimize workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and ensure lab compliance.

Skills

Neuroscience research

In vivo rodent studies

RT-qPCR/ELISA

Project leadership

Scientific communication

Cell culture

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related life science

Tools

Mammalian cell culture

RT-qPCR

ELISA

In vivo rodent handling

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 Scientist I to join our Research team and help drive the discovery and preclinical development of novel therapeutics for neurological diseases. This is a laboratory-based role that combines hands‑on experimental execution with scientific leadership. The successful candidate will independently design and execute experiments, lead project initiatives within a highly matrixed organization, and collaborate closely with colleagues across biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, translational sciences, and drug discovery.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished neuroscientist who enjoys working at the bench while taking ownership of scientific strategy, experimental planning, and cross‑functional coordination. This individual will be expected to influence project direction, interpret complex datasets, and help advance therapeutic programs from target validation through preclinical development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, execute, and interpret experiments supporting discovery and preclinical development of novel CNS therapeutics.
• Lead scientific initiatives within multidisciplinary project teams, coordinating activities across multiple functional areas to achieve project objectives.
• Develop experimental strategies, prioritize studies, and integrate data to inform program decisions and milestone planning.
• Perform hands‑on laboratory research, including mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Execute rodent dosing procedures, including intracerebroventricular (ICV), intrathecal lumbar (IT‑L), and intracisterna magna (ICM) administration.
• Collect and process tissues for downstream molecular, biochemical, and histological analyses.
• Perform RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, MSD, and ELISA assays to evaluate pharmacodynamic, efficacy, and biomarker endpoints.
• Analyze experimental results, communicate findings to project teams, and prepare high‑quality presentations and technical reports.
• Establish, optimize, and troubleshoot new assays and experimental workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates while fostering a collaborative, scientifically rigorous laboratory environment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional safety and animal welfare standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in neuroscience research with demonstrated experience advancing discovery or preclinical research programs.
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture, including immortalized cell lines and/or iPSC‑derived neuronal or glial models.
• Hands‑on experience performing in vivo rodent studies, including CNS dosing techniques such as:
• Intrathecal lumbar (IT‑L)
• Strong expertise in RT‑qPCR, MSD and/or ELISA assays.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and drive scientific decision‑making.
• Experience leading scientific projects within cross‑functional or matrixed teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation of scientific data to multidisciplinary audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative biotech environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and/or RNAscope.
• Experience working with oligonucleotide therapeutics, RNA‑targeting technologies, or CNS drug development.
• Experience contributing to IND‑enabling or other preclinical development activities.
• Previous experience with technical project management.

Please submit resumes to [e-mail]

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

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 $155,000-$230,000 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.