Translational Radioligand Development Scientist

UWMSN University of Wisconsin Madison; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nirschl and Kolb laboratories at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invite applications for a Scientist I or II to contribute to the discovery and development of novel PET imaging tracers targeting pathological protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. The role emphasizes tissue-based assays, radioligand binding, and SPR to quantify molecular interactions in human and animal brain samples.

Candidates should have expertise in tissue assay development, protein biochemistry, or

Qualifications

• Experience in tissue-based assay development and protein biochemistry.
• Background in molecular imaging and radioligand techniques is a plus.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery/optimization by setting up and executing tissue-based assays.
• Perform radioligand displacement and immunohistochemical validation.
• Conduct SPR experiments to quantify molecular interactions.
• Assist in SAR-driven lead optimization and biomarker validation.

Skills

Tissue-based assays

Biochemistry

Radioligand binding assays

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)

Molecular imaging

SAR analysis

Tools

Autoradiography

SPR instrumentation

Immunoassays

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Scientist I

Job Summary

The Nirschl and Kolb laboratories at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invite applications for a Scientist I or II to contribute to the discovery and development of novel PET imaging tracers targeting pathological protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and ALS. These efforts support multi‑institutional collaborations focused on improving early diagnosis and therapeutic development. The successful candidate will lead discovery/optimization by setting up and executing custom tissue‑based assays, including autoradiography and radioligand binding assays, competition assays, and immunoassays or immunostaining, to evaluate compound binding affinity and specificity in human and animal biospecimens. Additional responsibilities include radioligand displacement studies, immunohistochemical validation, and biochemical extraction of pathological proteins from brain tissue. The role also involves conducting surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to quantify molecular interactions. These efforts are critical to lead compound optimization and translational imaging biomarker validation. Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in tissue assay development, protein biochemistry, or molecular imaging and the ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. We seek applicants with a track record of outstanding research accomplishments and an ability to work in a highly collegial and collaborative academic environment. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for appointment as Scientist I or II under the UW School of Medicine and Public Health guidelines. It is expected that the successful applicant will have a broad knowledge base in bioassay development, including: Tissue homogenization, biochemical extraction and purification of pathological proteins from brain tissue samples, Autoradiography assays using tissue slices or filter binding assays with tissue homogenates enriched for specific proteins/subcellular fractions, Surface Plasmon Resonance measurements for assessing molecular interactions, Biostatistical and computational analysis skills to inform Structure‑Activity Relationship (SAR) and accelerate hit‑to‑lead development, Histopathological characterization of brain tissue samples.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is a world‑class academic institution with an international reputation for basic, translational and cross‑disciplinary research and is located in the heart of one of the country's most livable cities. The Department of Medical Physics is one of 10 basic science and 17 clinical departments in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Medical Physics faculty research is broadly focused on using physical principles to improve our understanding of the biological basis of disease and health, improving our ability to non‑invasively diagnose disease as early as possible, and for developing, guiding, and non‑invasively assessing therapeutic interventions. Together with our clinical colleagues, we advance state‑of‑the‑art patient care by developing, validating, and translating novel imaging systems, minimally invasive, personalized treatments, and early treatment assessment into the clinical environment. This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration: Advanced experience in tissue‑based