Position Summary
The position is responsible for designing, executing, and interpreting research studies focused on the discovery and validation of biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, including assay development, clinical sample analysis, and translational research.
Job Responsibilities
- Conducts research projects related to the discovery and validation of biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.
- Independently designs, executes and interprets experiments to identify and characterize biomarkers for diagnosis, disease progression, and therapeutic studies.
- Develops, optimizes, and validates assays and analytical methods to detect and measure biomarkers in biofluids, tissues, and other clinically relevant samples.
- Applies established assays to clinical cohorts and biobank samples, adapting technology platforms as needed to ensure rigorous, reproducible, and standardized results.
- Collaborates with clinical researchers, clinicians, biobanks, industry partners, and multidisciplinary teams to validate biomarkers and advance research findings.
- Contributes, under the PI’s guidance, to translating research findings toward clinical applications, including technology transfer and intellectual property activities.
- Partners with principal investigators and multidisciplinary research teams to co-develop study designs, sample analysis plans, and statistical approaches aligned with research aims.
- Reviews scientific literature and interprets research findings in biological and clinical contexts to inform study design and identify new research opportunities.
- Communicates findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, grant applications, and progress reports, including presentations at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
- Contributes to community outreach and engagement activities, training and mentoring of students, trainees, and other members of the research team.
- Maintains accurate and organized research records, sample tracking, documentation, and data in accordance with laboratory standards.
- Ensures compliance with institutional, ethical, and regulatory requirements related to research activities, including the handling of human samples and associated clinical data.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Skills
Education and Experience
- PhD in Biochemistry, Neuroscience/Neurobiology, Analytical Chemistry, Bioengineering, Cell or Molecular Biology, Clinical Chemistry, or related field, with relevant post-qualification research experience.
- Demonstrated experience in assay development, biomarker research, or analytical method validation.
- Experience with human biofluids, clinical samples, cohort-based studies, industry collaborations, diagnostics development, or translational research is an advantage.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong research background in Parkinson’s disease, related disorders, or neurodegenerative disease biomarkers, supported by knowledge of protein biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Proficient in techniques such as ELISA, ultrasensitive immunoassays, seed amplification assays, or mass spectrometry.
- Knowledge of analytical validation principles (sensitivity, specificity, precision, linearity, reproducibility) and pre-analytical variables.
- Ability to interpret experimental findings in relation to disease mechanisms and potential diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic applications.
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistics using R, Python, or similar tools is an advantage.
- Ability to contribute to collaborations with clinical, academic, and industry partners.
- Strong attention to details on documentation, record-keeping, and data management.
- Experience contributing to scientific publications, grant applications, and research dissemination activities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple research priorities within demanding timeframes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
