Scientist II, In-Vitro & Nonclinical Assay Development

Job Summary

Scientist II will support Tonix Pharmaceuticals' preclinical research programs through the development, optimization, and execution of in vitro and nonclinical assays. The role will contribute to translational research using cell-based assays, DMPK/ADME assays, 3D cell culture and organoid systems, and other nonclinical models to evaluate therapeutic candidates. The scientist will work collaboratively across discovery and development programs and generate high-quality, reproducible data to support program decisions.

Essential Functions

• Develop, optimize, and execute in vitro cell-based and biochemical assays to support drug discovery and preclinical development programs.
• Perform and support DMPK/ADME assays, including permeability, protein binding, metabolic or CYP-related assays, cytotoxicity, and other screening assays as appropriate.
• Develop and evaluate 3D cell culture, spheroid, and organoid-based assay systems for translational and nonclinical studies.
• Support the development and execution of nonclinical assays and models for evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, pharmacology, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Design experiments, develop and optimize protocols, analyze data, troubleshoot assays, and document results in laboratory records and technical reports.
• Maintain mammalian cell culture systems, including established cell lines and primary or specialized cell systems as needed for project-specific assays.
• Apply molecular, biochemical, imaging, and viability-based assay methods, including techniques such as RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, luminescence-based assays, microscopy, and related analytical readouts.
• Work collaboratively with internal scientists and external partners/CROs to support preclinical and DMPK studies.
• Prepare data summaries, presentations, protocols, reports, and other documentation supporting research programs and regulatory or development activities.
• Maintain accurate records and perform work in accordance with applicable laboratory, quality, and safety procedures.

Necessary Skills and Abilities

• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and in vitro assay development.
• Experience designing, optimizing, troubleshooting, and interpreting cell-based, biochemical, or translational assays.
• Familiarity with DMPK/ADME assay concepts and laboratory methods is preferred.
• Experience with 3D culture systems, spheroids, organoids, or other advanced in vitro models is preferred.
• Experience supporting nonclinical or preclinical drug development studies.
• Proficiency with common molecular and biochemical laboratory techniques and quantitative data analysis.
• Strong experimental planning, problem-solving, technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary project teams.

Educational Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related life sciences discipline; with 2+ years of relevant experience or an M.S. with 4+ years of relevant research experience.

Experience Requirements

• Relevant hands-on research experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, government, or academic research environments.
• Experience with in vitro pharmacology, assay development, DMPK/ADME, 3D culture/organoid models, or nonclinical research is preferred.
• Experience generating reproducible experimental data and communicating results to multidisciplinary teams.