Senior Scientist (Neurodegeneration)

About ISOgenix

We are an Oxford University spin-out developing breakthrough therapies for the treatment of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Our approach builds upon novel protein isoform insights identified using our state-of-the-art technologies including long read sequencing and proprietary bioinformatics pipelines. Our founding team has decades of experience in the field of precision medicines, and we have an unwavering focus on developing novel therapies for patients. We are based in Oxford, UK (www.isogenixtx.com).

Summary of Position

We’re looking for a highly talented and motivated Senior Scientist to join us. In addition to possessing highly relevant expertise, the successful applicant will share our passion for groundbreaking science and be keen to work in a small but growing biotechnology team. They will work collaboratively, openly and be keen to take on new responsibilities as our science progresses and business grows.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Scientist, you will play a central role in driving our genetic therapy programs for neurodegenerative diseases.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the design, development, and optimisation of experimental strategies and functional assays to validate transcriptomic targets, assess gene and protein expression, target engagement, and therapeutic efficacy in disease-relevant models, with approximately 80% of time dedicated to hands-on, bench-based experimental execution.
• Providing scientific leadership and critical input into experimental planning, data interpretation, and decision-making across discovery and early development programs.
• Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including bioinformatics, R&D, and external academic or industry partners, to integrate computational and experimental insights and troubleshoot complex scientific challenges.
• Overseeing the organisation, analysis, and interpretation of internal research data, translating findings into clear insights that inform program direction, portfolio strategy, and business decisions.
• Mentoring junior scientists, including helping set objectives, providing feedback, and helping deliver high-quality, reproducible data.
• Supporting the identification and evaluation of external opportunities by reviewing and analysing scientific literature, public datasets, and industry developments relevant to neurodegeneration and RNA-based therapeutics.
• Contributing to the establishment and maintenance of best practices in data quality, documentation, confidentiality, and secure handling of proprietary research information.

Qualifications

To excel in this role, you should possess the following qualifications and skills:

Essential

• PhD in Medical Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Neuroscience, or a related discipline, with substantial relevant experience in academia or industry (industry experience preferred).
• Expertise in genetic therapy development for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
• Proven track record of scientific success, progression, and innovation in therapeutic research, with current hands-on experimental involvement.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, develop and validate functional assays, including gene and protein expression assays and disease-relevant therapeutic efficacy assays, with significant hands-on experience at the bench.
• Highly organised and meticulous, with a strong commitment to data integrity, experimental reproducibility, and high-quality documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in parallel, meet deadlines, and drive projects forward while contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Experience mentoring or managing scientific staff, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and help them successfully meet goals.
• Strong understanding of neurodegeneration-focused scientific literature, research methodologies, and clinical data, with familiarity with public databases such as PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and relevant gene therapy or genetic disease databases.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.

Desirable

• Expertise in gene expression profiling, RNA splicing analysis, and the application of transcriptomic data to guide target discovery and therapeutic development in neurodegenerative disease contexts.
• Hands-on experience with antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) or other oligonucleotide-based therapeutic platforms, including design, optimisation, and characterisation.
• Experience collaborating effectively with academic and/or industry partners within cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.
• Prior experience working with patient-derived or iPSC-derived neuronal models.
• Experience in scientific writing, including authoring or contributing to research publications, reports, or grant applications.

Benefits

We are committed to creating an inspiring and supportive work environment. As a Senior Scientist, you will enjoy:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A healthy work-life balance.
• Continuous professional development and learning opportunities.
• An open, collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Working in a small dynamic with the opportunity to ultimately make a significant impact on the development of new medicines for diseases with significant unmet need.

How to Apply

If you’re excited to join us, please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter addressing the following two questions to hr@isogenixtx.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we aim to fill the position promptly. We therefore encourage qualified candidates to apply as soon as possible.

1. Genetic Therapy Development in Neurodegeneration

Please summarise your experience in genetic therapy development for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS or related disorders. In your response, describe your role in target identification and prioritisation, therapeutic strategy (e.g. gene modulation, splice correction, gene replacement or silencing), and experimental validation. Where applicable, please include any experience with oligonucleotide-based approaches (e.g. ASOs), as well as assay development and functional validation in disease-relevant in vitro models, such as patient-derived or iPSC-derived neuronal systems.

2. Transcriptomics-Based Target Discovery

Please describe your experience analysing and interpreting genomics and transcriptomics datasets to support target discovery or therapeutic development. Please clearly specify whether your experience is based on short-read sequencing, long-read sequencing, or both, and indicate the platforms used where relevant. Describe any experience with RNA splicing analysis, isoform discovery, or differential transcript usage, and note whether this work was performed in neurodegenerative disease contexts, if applicable. Where possible, explain how these analyses informed downstream experimental or therapeutic decisions.