Scientist, Target Validation (Neurology)
London, on-site
We are partnered with an exciting Neuro TechBio start-up, currently operating in stealth, based in the heart of Central London. The company is developing a full-stack platform for neurodegenerative drug discovery, spanning target identification, validation, and biomarker development. Its technology addresses a fundamental bottleneck in the field: the lack of routine access to living human brain tissue. Backed by leading venture capital firms, the company has secured significant funding to advance both its proprietary platform and its Alzheimer’s disease target pipeline.
About this role
As a Scientist, Target Validation, you will contribute to translating computationally derived target hypotheses into functional biological evidence. Working closely with senior scientists, ML engineers, and computational biologists, you will support the evaluation of multi-omic target packages and help design and execute cell-based perturbation experiments to validate target biology. This is a hands-on laboratory role with opportunities to develop independence, deep expertise in disease modelling/perturbation screening, and contribute to building the target validation function as the company grows.
What you will do
Computational Target Interpretation & Experimental Execution
- Support the evaluation of computational target packages, including functional genomic evidence and multi-omics integration outputs.
- Assist in translating computational hypotheses into experimentally testable questions.
- Contribute to experimental design, including selection of cellular models, perturbation strategies, and readouts.
- Participate in target review discussions, providing input on experimental feasibility and biological context.
- Generate high-quality experimental data to inform target prioritisation decisions.
iPSC-Derived Neuronal & Glial Disease Modelling
- Culture, maintain, and differentiate iPSC-derived neuronal and glial cell types (e.g., neurons, astrocytes, microglia).
- Support the development and optimisation of disease-relevant cellular phenotypes, particularly in neurodegenerative disease contexts such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- Apply perturbations to model disease-relevant mechanisms.
- Perform routine quality control of iPSC lines, including identity verification and lineage characterisation.
CRISPR Functional Screening & Perturbation
- Execute CRISPR-based and/or siRNA-based perturbation experiments (e.g., knockout, CRISPRi, CRISPRa).
- Assist in the development of screening approaches (pooled or arrayed) where applicable.
- Validate perturbation efficiency at DNA, RNA, and/or protein levels.
- Contribute to the generation of phenotypic readouts, including transcriptomic and proteomic data.
Data Integration & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with computational and platform teams to ensure experimental data is captured and communicated effectively.
- Maintain accurate and well-documented experimental records using ELN systems (e.g., Benchling).
- Present data clearly within the team and contribute to internal discussions.
- Support preparation of reports, presentations, and potentially publications.
Required skills and experience
- PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, functional genomics, or a related discipline + 1-3 years of postdoctoral or equivalent industry experience
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture; exposure to iPSC systems or neuronal/glial models preferred.
- Experience with standard molecular biology techniques, including siRNA and/or CRISPR-based perturbation approaches.
- Good understanding of neurodegenerative disease biology (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease).
- Experience with transcriptomic approaches (e.g., RNA-seq) and willingness to engage with data interpretation.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly in experimental documentation.
- Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
Desirable
- Direct experience with iPSC disease modelling approaches.
- Exposure to CRISPR screening approaches (pooled or arrayed).
- Familiarity with multi-omics datasets or computational biology workflows.
- Experience using ELN systems (e.g., Benchling).
- Prior experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical target validation setting.
Interested? Apply and we will be in touch!