(Senior) Research Associate

(Senior) Research Associate - Muna Therapeutics, Leuven, Belgium

Who We Are

Muna Therapeutics is a soon-to-be clinical stage biotech company developing first-in-class therapeutics for neurologic and immunologic diseases. Muna Tx’s strategy is based on an innovative, all-in-human discovery engine, deep understanding of disease genetics and pathophysiology, world-class structural biology expertise, and experienced medicinal chemistry and translational biology, focused on developing first-in-class small molecule therapeutics for diseases of global high unmet need, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and other disorders. We are privately held and supported by a syndicate of European and US investors. The company is located in Copenhagen, Denmark; Leuven, Belgium and in the Boston area of the US.

The Role

We are seeking to fill the role of (Senior) Research Associate, based in Leuven, Belgium, to support Muna´s all-in-human MiND-MAP platform. MiND-MAP utilizes spatial transcriptomics from postmortem brain samples to understand cellular and molecular responses to misfolded protein and other pathologies and advance these insights into novel drug targets. The Leuven based Muna Tx team consists of experts in spatial transcriptomics, bioinformatics, molecular and cell biology who mine potential drug targets from differentially regulated gene expression networks, and conduct in silico validation as well as in vitro and in vivo validation in humanized models. The (Senior) Research Associate will join the spatial transcriptomics team and also contribute to in vitro and potentially in vivo and ex vivo studies in close collaboration and coordination with team members and the Project Head. The (Senior) Research Associate will report to a project Senior Scientist. The position is laboratory based, and occasional travel to other Muna Tx locations may be required. The position is available immediately.

Responsibilities

• Generate high-quality and well-controlled data, conduct indepent analyses, including basic statistical assessment, ensure documentation, and reporting

• Proactively identify, design and implement well-controlled in vitro or ex vivo studies in close collaboration with the MiND-MAP team

• Support spatial transcriptomics studies, including tissue sampling, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, image analysis and single cell transcriptomics

• Conduct molecular and cellular biology experiments in vitro and ex vivo, including initiation and maintenance of cell cultures and setting up in vitro assays, e. g. in heterologous cell systems, human IPSC models, humanized rodent disease

• Apply pharmacology and/or genetic models in vitro to study drug target functions experimentally

• Optimize experimental methods, develop standard protocols and ensure optimal laboratory operations

• Contribute to a cross-functional and interdisciplinary scientific teams to continue to identify and validate drug targets with the goal of delivering data packages that support drug discovery efforts

• Comply with company policies for data collection, study report generation and archiving through company electronic lab notebook systems and servers

• Representing company core values and culture for an open, constructive and respectful interactions among team members and other colleagues

Qualifications

• Degree as Laboratory Technician in Biomedical or Biological Sciences (Professional Bachelor/Master/Engineer) or equivalent

• Track record in applying in vitro molecular and cell biology assays

• Two or more years of experience as Reseach Associate or similar; biopharma/biotech experience is preferable but not required

• Hands-on experience with cell cultures, including human pluripotent stem cells

• Experience with immunohistochemistry and tissue processing is preferred

• Experience with in vivo animal studies will be an advantage but not required

• Excellent organizational and documentation skills • Ability to apply basic statistical analyses independently

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English

• Self-motivated, results-oriented professional with can-do attitude, willing to go the extra mile, and take advantage of opportunities for professional development and growth

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter describing previous research experiences and career goals and a CV in English by email to careers@munatherapeutics.com. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.