CNS Lead Scientist

The Lead Scientist will be responsible for:

• Taking independent ownership of one or more translational programs in the areas of neurodegeneration and gene therapy.

• Design, construction, evaluation, and optimization of AAV gene therapy vectors to drive therapeutic transgene expression in neuronal tissues.

• Design of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experiments.

• Execution of experiments either individually or through teamwork (in-house or outsourced).

• Data analysis and visualization.

• Writing study reports, manuscripts and presenting results at appropriate scientific meetings.

• Leading the implementation of advanced techniques and innovative concepts; recognized as an authority in a relevant field both internally and externally.

• Initiating and overseeing joint programs with internal and external collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Design in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experiments. Execute experiments on the bench either independently or through teamwork (in-house or outsourced).
• Data analysis and visualization, writing study reports, presenting results.
• Literature review; Identify potential indication targets; Draft plans for evaluating targets.
• Participate in group meetings and scientific discussions, and provide support to more junior staff, as needed.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Typically has a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline and 5 to 8 years of relevant post-PhD experience.

• Alternatively, may have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with significant related experience; generally 12+ years. Individual experience may vary based on skillset and expertise.

• Evidence of responsibility for execution of one or more scientific programs.

• Evidence of >3 years of experience with mammalian models of disease and/or injury (e.g., stereotaxic surgery, behavioral testing, immunofluorescent histological staining, confocal microscopy, analysis).

• Evidence of >3 years of experience with cell biology methods (e.g., neural cell culture, transfection/transduction, immunocytochemical staining, analysis).

• Evidence of >3 years of experience with molecular biology methods (e.g., AAV plasmid design, cloning, evaluation of gene expression).

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Expertise in designing, implementing and troubleshooting in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo experiments related to CNS gene therapy.

• Expert ability to critically analyze problems, develop potential solutions and evaluate impact to Spark.

• Expert technical lab skills.

• Expert skills in synthesizing research findings and effectively communicating findings and recommendations to senior management independently.

• Ability to develop CNS research programs that align with the goals of the company as defined by senior management, in consultation with the Preclinical CNS Research Team leaders and CNS Head of CNS Research.

• Preferred: Demonstrated ability to independently provide effective oversight and management of external vendors (e.g., with respect to outsourcing of work).

Please be aware that Spark mandates COVID-19 vaccination of all employees regardless of work location. Accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia

Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to challenge the inevitability of genetic disease by discovering, developing, and delivering treatments in ways unimaginable - until now.

We don't follow footsteps. We create the path.