At Biogen, we offer a workplace that is unique, connected, resilient and impactful. Our purpose to find cures for rare diseases is a unique focus within our industry. We are connected as a team by this shared purpose, the pride we have in our work, and the inspiration we obtain from the lives we’re changing. We are resilient as we overcome obstacles, following the science to deliver for our patients. Most of all, our work allows us to have an impact. An impact on our patients’ lives and on changing the course of medicine.   

About This Role

The Biogen Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit is driving innovation on early drug discovery and laying the translational framework for novel mechanisms to be brought forward into clinical interrogation. Our mission is to focus on the strength of human biological evidence in order to one day transform the way we treat neurological diseases and their progression. We are looking for an innovative, enthusiastic, and dedicated research scientist to join our team and contribute to the generation of pioneering therapeutics.

The ideal candidate would be a biologist with expertise working in immune or glial cells, strong general molecular biology techniques, a background in pharmacology, experience developing functional or high-content imaging assays, and expertise in de novo assay development principles. This role represents your opportunity to apply your research expertise, learn about the drug discovery process, and helping enrich the future therapeutic landscape with new ideas into mechanisms of disease. We welcome candidates who share our passion for science and commitment to impacting human health.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to take innovative approaches to novel assay development and balance this approach with a scientifically rigorous mindset to drive confidence in discovery insights. As a qualified scientist, you will be expected to work independently toward objectives but frequently communicate results to project leaders and collaborators. While you are able to solve complex problems individually and exhibit technical expertise, you recognize the benefit of working with others toward your goals and helping others toward shared objectives. You will therefore be supported by and contributing to a team-focused environment.

What You’ll Do

• Advance our understanding of the role of ApoE/Lipid Biology as it intersects with neuroimmunology and emerging microglial biology
• Apply novel biochemical assays and systems from cells, preclinical models, and human tissue/CSF to fill knowledge gaps and increase confidence is translatability
• Develop functional assays in iPSC-derived microglial systems to better understand the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease risk/resilience associated genetic targets, polymorphisms and their related biological pathways
• Apply various genetic engineering and pharmacological approaches to support mechanism of action studies on observed phenotypes
• Leverage a combination of cellular and protein biochemical techniques, combined with gene expression profiling and high-content microscopy to characterize microglia
• Establish SOPs and adapt new protocols from literature
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and present data to the team

Who You Are
You are equally passionate about basic research as you are learning about drug discovery, have a strong intrinsic drive to make a difference, maintain a commitment to scientific quality, and use your curiosity and rigor to drive forward with a science-first mindset. You are a forward-thinker, motivated to learn new skills, ask questions, always consider the most direct path to your work, and are a team player who strives to foster an inquisitive, inclusive, and impactful work environment.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• PhD degree in neuroimmunology, cell/molecular biology, biochemistry, or chemical biology
• Strong track-record of publication and effective collaboration
• Expertise working with primary glial cultures, as well as iPSC derived model systems, as applied to target discovery, validation, and cellular proof-of-action
• Extensive knowledge of various genetic delivery (plasmid and viral) and disruption (Crispr and RNAi) techniques
• Broad hands-on experience with various gene expression, immunoassay, and molecular profiling approaches applied to cells and brain tissues
• Strong skillset in the development robust and reproducible imaging-based cell functional assays
• Ability to independently design, execute, and analyze experiments
• Strong critical thinking, communication, organization, and presentation skills

Preferred Skills

• Research experience in neurological disorders
• Prior experience with single or multi-omic profiling – proteomics, transcriptomics, or lipidomics

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.