Neurodegenerative Disease Senior Scientist

About the role

You will architect and execute a portfolio of single-cell proteomics experiments that directly interrogate protein dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. You will own the end-to-end scientific strategy for probing how specific protein alterations drive cellular dysfunction, translating high-level project goals into detailed experimental and analytical workflows. You will lead the design, execution, and troubleshooting of protocols for isolating and profiling single neurons and other brain cells, ensuring rigorous data generation. You will analyze large, complex proteomics datasets to uncover novel disease mechanisms, collaborating closely with computational biologists to refine analysis pipelines and biological interpretations. You will serve as a technical leader and mentor, guiding junior scientists in best practices for handling precious human brain tissue and operating cutting-edge mass spectrometry instruments. You will prepare compelling scientific narratives by drafting manuscripts, presentations, and grant inputs that communicate discoveries to both specialized and broad audiences. You will actively coordinate with an interdisciplinary team of mass spectrometrists, chemists, computational analysts, and biologists to align project milestones and solve challenging technical problems. You will contribute to the strategic direction of PTI's neurodegenerative research portfolio, helping to define and prioritize projects that maximize scientific impact and throughput.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead the design and execution of single-cell proteomics experiments focused on uncovering protein dysregulation in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative conditions.

Develop and refine hands-on workflows for isolating, processing, and profiling single cells from post-mortem brain tissue to maximize data quality and throughput.

Execute cutting-edge mass spectrometry methods, leveraging molecular barcodes and mass tags to enable deep, multiplexed analysis of rare protein changes.

Perform sophisticated computational analysis of large-scale single-cell proteomics datasets, identifying meaningful biological patterns and disease mechanisms.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of mass spectrometrists, chemists, and computational analysts to iteratively improve experimental and analytical strategies.

Mentor junior scientists, providing expert guidance on best practices in single-cell handling, proteomic data generation, and rigorous quality control.

Prepare high-impact scientific outputs, including manuscripts, presentations, and materials for public data portals, to communicate findings to the broader research community.

Represent PTI in regular meetings with internal and external collaborators, ensuring alignment of project goals, timelines, and resource allocation.

Design and lead independent research projects that translate innovative proteomic technologies into new insights into neurodegeneration, with the freedom to set ambitious scientific milestones.

Champion the adoption of novel proteomic tools and computational approaches that dramatically increase the sensitivity and scale of protein analysis in brain research.

Maintain a rigorous focus on data integrity, reproducibility, and transparent reporting to support high-quality scientific discoveries and public dissemination.

Act as a scientific advocate for the application of single-cell proteomics, articulating the value and potential impact of these methods to stakeholders and collaborators.

Contribute to the growth of PTI's knowledge base by documenting protocols, sharing insights, and integrating lessons learned across projects and teams.

Play a key role in securing ongoing project momentum by delivering consistent, high-quality data that advances the understanding of molecular mechanisms in Alzheimer's and related disorders.

Requirements

Demonstrate a strong background in the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, with direct, hands-on experience applying this knowledge to research questions.

Possess expert-level, hands-on experience in single-cell analysis, including the isolation, processing, and characterization of individual cells from complex tissues.

Show advanced competency in computational biology and bioinformatics, with the ability to analyze, interpret, and visualize large-scale proteomics datasets.

Have a proven track record of working with post-mortem human brain tissue, including careful handling, storage, and processing to preserve molecular integrity.

Bring deep experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, specifically in the context of single-cell or low-input sample analysis.

Exhibit strong analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex experimental workflows and iteratively refine methods for optimal performance.

Communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats, preparing clear scientific narratives for publications, presentations, and collaborative discussions.

Work effectively within an interdisciplinary team, collaborating respectfully and productively with mass spectrometrists, chemists, computational analysts, and biologists.

Commit to upholding the highest standards of scientific rigor, data integrity, and reproducibility in all aspects of research planning and execution.

Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities and independent projects in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment.