Principal Scientist, Epilepsy Research

We 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.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research experience, with a demonstrated track record in epilepsy or seizure biology.
• Expert-level proficiency in in vivo electrophysiology, including EEG recording and analysis in rodent seizure models.
• Expert-level proficiency in brain slice preparation and patch-clamp or field potential electrophysiology.
• Extensive hands-on experience with rodent models of epilepsy and associated surgical, behavioral, and data analysis workflows.
• Direct experience contributing to preclinical therapeutic development programs, including target validation and compound profiling.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to epilepsy, ion channel biology, or CNS pharmacology.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments and communicate findings clearly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with genetic mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome, KCNQ2, CDKL5).
• Familiarity with advanced imaging modalities (e.g., calcium imaging, optogenetics) in the context of seizure research.
• Experience with translational biomarker development or clinical EEG interpretation.
• Prior experience in a biotech, pharma, or translational research environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations for preclinical CNS packages (FDA/EMA guidelines).
• Experience with gene therapy or RNA-based therapeutic modalities.

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.

What We Offer

• A senior, high-visibility role at the forefront of epilepsy research and drug discovery.
• Significant scientific autonomy and the opportunity to shape the direction of a core research program.
• A collaborative, mission-driven culture with access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
• Competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, and equity.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and generous PTO.
• Support for conference attendance, publications, and continued professional development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field
• Extensive experience (typically 8+ years) in scientific research, preferably in a related industry or academic setting.
• Proven track record of leading successful research projects, with a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in a specialized area.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements relevant to the industry.

Education: Doctorate required/preferred

Experience: 8 years required/ 10 years preferred

Pay Range: $136,461 - $212,147, salary is determined by experience

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.