Scientist I/II, In Vivo Pharmacology

Role Summary

Lexeo is seeking a hands-on in vivo pharmacologist to build rodent models of cardiac disease and use them to de-risk targets, screen therapeutic candidates and advance our discovery pipeline.

The scientist will design, perform or manage rodent studies from target validation through hit identification, working cross-functionally with In Vitro Pharmacology, Modality Engineering, and Translational Sciences to select-advance molecules.

Reporting to the Head of Cardiac Research, this role joins cardiac, neuroscience, and non-clinical scientists developing therapies for genetic heart disease and offers broad experience in multidisciplinary biopharma research.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vivo studies that de-risk novel targets, using genetic knockdown/overexpression and tool molecules to test target-phenotype links
• Outsource or internally establish rodent cardiac disease models, including transgenic lines and surgical models such as TAC and MI
• Run therapeutic screening studies that rank candidates on efficacy, dose-response, durability, and identify hit molecules for advancement
• Dose by multiple routes (IV, IP, SC, IM, PO, retro-orbital) and by osmotic minipump across longitudinal studies
• Lead study takedowns: necropsy, blood and tissue collection, and processing for histology, molecular, and ex vivo endpoints, including Langendorff cardiac dissociation
• Partner with Translational Sciences to establish bioanalytical methods for biodistribution and target engagement in rodent tissues, and align on models with clinical endpoints/biomarkers
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to project teams; keep study records in the ELN in line with IACUC and animal welfare standards
• Manage study logistics, manage budgets, flag capacity or timeline risks early, and ideate novel methods for pharmacology and physiology

Required Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in physiology, pharmacology, cardiovascular biology, or a related field with 0-3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience; or MS with 5+ years of industry experience
• Hands-on rodent experience: handling, multi-route dosing, blood collection, survival surgery, and necropsy
• Track record using rodent disease models for target validation or efficacy testing of molecules
• Proven understanding of power analyses, methods of randomizing animal models and appropriate uses of statistical methods
• Strong data analysis skills (e.g., GraphPad) and clear written and verbal communication
• Organized and independent; able to run several longitudinal studies at once within a collaborative team
• Ability to regularly work onsite at HQ in New York City

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Industry experience in a small, fast-paced biotech is highly preferred
• Working knowledge of qPCR/ddPCR for vector/mRNA, ELISA/LC-MS for ASO, RNAscope/IHC for tissue localization, WB/ ELISA/MSD for protein detection
• Hands-on echocardiography in mice and rats (e.g., Vevo)
• ECG and blood pressure telemetry implantation and analysis in mice and rats (e.g., Ponemah)
• Cardiac surgical models (TAC, MI) and invasive hemodynamics (PV-loop)
• Demonstrated experience with models of neurodegenerative disease, particularly ataxia or cerebellar disorders, including execution and interpretation of rotarod, gait analysis, balance beam, grip strength, and longitudinal behavioral studies
• In vivo experience working with and advancing AAV or oligonucleotide therapeutics
• Experience selecting and evaluating CROs to perform animal studies
• AALAS certification or equivalent

Lexeo

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