Postdoctoral Researcher in CNS Biology/Pharmacology

Idorsia Pharmaceuticals

Basel, Switzerland

Job Responsibilities

To strengthen our mode-of-action and disease biology characterization efforts in CNS biology/pharmacology, we are offering a Postdoc position for a highly motivated neurobiologist. The successful candidate will have solid experience with hiPSC-derived neuronal cocultures, as well as basic knowledge of neuronal circuit modeling and analysis. In this role you will investigate the effect of innovative therapeutic agents in neuronal co-culture models of disease using a broad array of readouts. You will complement this with data generated in in vivo disease models.

Responsibilities include:

Design, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments in iPSC-derived neuronal co-cultures to characterize innovative therapeutic agents for CNS drug discovery;
Set up and optimize electrophysiology, omics, biochemical and immunocytochemistry assays of neuronal cocultures for mechanism-of-action studies;
Introduce disease-causing mutations into iPSC cells (CRISPR) to generate and characterize co-culture-based disease models for above experiments;
Design, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments in rodent CNS disease models;
Set-up autism-relevant behavioral pharmacology assays;
Responsible for efficient planning, detailed analysis, and accurate documentation of experiments;
Presentation of results in a multidisciplinary company environment;
Prepare publication of results in peer reviewed journal.;
Together with colleagues from the scientific computing group, experimentally test and refine computational models for predicted contributions of innovative therapeutic agents to neuronal activity;
Follow novel developments in the field and evaluate application opportunities for CNS drug discovery;
Interact with biologists, pharmacologists, chemists, and computer scientists to drive innovation and advance drug discovery projects.

Candidate’s Requirements

PhD degree in neuroscience or related areas;
Proven track record of generating, optimizing, working with and analyzing hiPSC derived neuronal co-cultures;
Hands-on experience in using multi-electrode arrays for recordings from hiPSC-derived neurons and pharmacological manipulations of the culture conditions;
Practical knowledge of in-vitro and in-vivo models of autism is highly advantageous;
Wet lab experience with current molecular biology tools (e.g. CRISPR) is advantageous;
Hands-on experience with current techniques of rodent handling, substance application, tissue sampling, and behavioral pharmacology;
Solid knowledge of the neurobiology underlying autism spectrum disorders;
A good understanding of ion channels and GPCRs, neuroscience drug discovery, and extensive knowledge of electrophysiology and pharmacology;
Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently;
Enthusiasm, flexibility, and ability to work in a diverse and interdisciplinary environment;
Fluency in English (verbal and written);
Active LTK license for Switzerland (or FELASA equivalent).