Biomarker Scientist

ABOUT THE COMPANY

At QurAlis, we are neuro pioneers on a quest to cure. We work with a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a precise attention to craft, and an optimistic mindset to discover and develop effective precision medicines that will alter the trajectory of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other neurodegenerative diseases. Founded by an internationally recognized team of neurodegenerative biologists from Harvard Medical School and Harvard University, QurAlis is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a pipeline with therapeutic candidates that target specific components of ALS and FTD pathology and defined patient populations based on both disease-causing genetic mutation(s) and clinical biomarkers.

Summary of Position:

QurAlis is seeking a highly motivated Biomarker Scientist to support and execute its CNS Biomarker discovery program. The Biomarker Scientist will develop translational strategies for novel therapeutics to assess pharmacodynamics, patient selection criteria, and mechanism of action. The Biomarker Scientist will work closely with the QurAlis scientific and management teams to perform and manage studies in a high quality and scientifically rigorous fashion.  

Primary Job Responsibilities :

• Independently plan and execute experiments, and contribute high level scientific neurodegeneration pathways expertise
• Assay development for customized, highly sensitive RNA and protein quantification
• Design and implement discovery plans and oversee the execution
• Analyze data, interpret results, identify problems, and develop creative troubleshooting plans
• Identification of contract research vendors and management of contract research studies
• Proactively review the scientific field to identify and share new scientific findings, ideas, and methods with other scientists at QurAlis
• Collaborate with clinical experts at QurAlis to translate biomarker plan
• Communicate effectively across the organization with translational medicine, clinical development, and discovery teams.
• Present research findings internally and externally at scientific meetings/conferences

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• A PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a related field
• 3-5 years relevant experience in academic and/or industry (biotech or pharma) settings including experience in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, disease modeling, drug discovery or assay development. Previous biomarker development experience is preferred but not required.
• Proven track record of scientific excellence as evidenced by high impact, peer reviewed publications
• Proactive, willingness to contribute to bench work in the lab
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational skills, work ethic, and high-level motivation
• Capacity to be highly productive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Comfortable working in or leading matrix team
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Authorized to work legally in the United States

Additional Qualifications Desired:

• Hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting customized RNA or protein high throughput assays
• Expertise in extracellular vesicle isolation methods from biofluids or cell culture media
• Previous experience managing multiple outsourced projects while maintaining timelines and milestones
• Experience progressing an assay from development to analytical validation