Principal Scientist, Epilepsy Research

Principal Scientist, Epilepsy Research Apply: Bar Harbor, Maine: Posted 30+ Days Ago: JR005911We are seeking an exceptional Lead Scientist to join our Rare Disease Research team in a senior, high-impact role. This position is central to our mission of advancing the understanding and treatment of epilepsy, and is suited to an accomplished researcher who combines deep mechanistic expertise with a strong drive toward therapeutic translation. The Lead Scientist will spearhead electrophysiology-based research programs using both in vivo mouse models and ex vivo brain slice preparations, generate and own key datasets, mentor junior scientists, and contribute meaningfully to our drug and therapeutic pipeline. This role offers significant scientific autonomy and the opportunity to shape the direction of the epilepsy program.In Vivo Research & Mouse Models* Design, execute, and lead seizure studies using established and novel mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., kainate, pilocarpine, kindling, genetic models such as Scn1a+/−).* Plan and perform chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings (EEG/LFP) to quantify seizure burden, inter-ictal activity, and network dynamics.* Oversee surgical implantation of recording electrodes and manage long-term telemetric monitoring cohorts.* Develop and validate new in vivo model systems relevant to drug-resistant or pediatric epilepsies.Ex Vivo Electrophysiology* Execute and lead acute and organotypic brain slice preparation with high reproducibility across hippocampal, cortical, and thalamocortical circuits.* Perform whole-cell patch-clamp and field potential recordings to characterize intrinsic neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and network-level epileptiform activity.* Analyze pharmacological modulation of ion channels, GABAergic/glutamatergic systems, and other therapeutic targets in slice preparations.Therapeutic Development* Serve as the primary electrophysiology lead in evaluating candidate therapeutics (small molecules, biologics, gene therapy approaches) across preclinical models.* Design and execute dose-response, time-course, and mechanistic studies to characterize compound efficacy and tolerability in the CNS.* Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and translational teams to align preclinical findings with clinical hypotheses.* Contribute to IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions by providing high-quality preclinical data packages.Scientific Leadership & Collaboration* Lead a small team of research scientists and associates, providing mentorship, experimental guidance, and career development support.* Define research priorities, drive experimental strategy, and ensure rigorous, reproducible science across the team.* Present findings at internal research reviews, external conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications.* Build and maintain collaborations with academic KOLs, clinical epileptologists, and external research partners.* Contribute to grant writing, scientific communications, and IP generation as appropriate.

Skills & Competencies* Scientific rigor and meticulous attention to reproducibility and data quality.* Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency with electrophysiology analysis software (e.g., Clampfit, Spike2, custom MATLAB/Python pipelines).* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data to cross-functional stakeholders.* Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and organizational boundaries.* Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.* Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring junior scientists and driving team-level deliverables.