Principal Scientist, Epilepsy Research

Responsibilities

• Lead epilepsy research and therapeutic development using in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology and mouse models.
• Design and execute seizure studies using established and novel rodent models (e.g., kainate, pilocarpine, genetic models).
• Perform chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings (EEG/LFP) and oversee surgical electrode implantation.
• Execute acute and organotypic brain slice preparations for whole-cell patch-clamp and field potential recordings.
• Serve as the primary electrophysiology lead for evaluating candidate therapeutics, including small molecules and gene therapies.
• Lead and mentor a small team of research scientists and associates, providing experimental guidance and career development.
• Partner with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and translational teams to align preclinical findings with clinical hypotheses.

Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research experience with a focus on epilepsy or seizure biology.
• Expert-level proficiency in in vivo electrophysiology (EEG) and rodent seizure models.
• Expert-level proficiency in brain slice preparation and patch-clamp or field potential electrophysiology.
• Direct experience in preclinical therapeutic development, including target validation and compound profiling.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to CNS pharmacology or ion channel biology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with genetic mouse models of epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome, KCNQ2, CDKL5).
• Familiarity with advanced imaging modalities such as calcium imaging or optogenetics.
• Experience with translational biomarker development or clinical EEG interpretation.
• Prior experience working in a biotech, pharma, or translational research environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory expectations for preclinical CNS packages (FDA/EMA guidelines).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including base salary and bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Support for professional development, including conference attendance and publications.
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and a collaborative, mission-driven culture.

About the Company

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution dedicated to discovering precise genomic solutions for disease. With nearly 3,000 employees globally, JAX applies decades of expertise in genetics to advance treatments for cancer, neurological disorders, and other complex diseases to improve human health.