Scientist

AltPep Corporation is a biomedical startup based along Seattle's Lake Union focused on developing early disease-modifying treatments and detection tools for amyloid diseases by targeting one of the earliest molecular triggers – toxic soluble oligomers. These toxic oligomers are associated with many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and type 2 diabetes. AltPep draws its origins to Dr. Valerie Daggett's lab at the University of Washington's Bioengineering Department.

About This Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Scientist to help us develop life-changing therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s and related amyloid disorders. This role is designed for a researcher who is passionate about the bench, specifically bridging cellular assays with animal models. You will use deep scientific knowledge and technical proficiency to help our team tackle the formidable challenge of early detection and treatment.

You are a team player and understand the importance of working with others, but you also work well on your own. You may lead a project or initiative involving other contributors. You may supervise the activities of more junior personnel and be responsible for driving the development of those team members. Or, you may be working alone on a project, but contributing to a larger effort. You will contribute toward peer-reviewed publications, the invention of IP, internal reports, and/or regulatory filings.

What You’ll Do:

• Contribute to the in-house development of therapeutic candidates by executing pre-IND activities with meticulous attention to detail.
  
• Design and perform complex cell-culture and organoid experiments, including the maintenance and treatment of primary neurons or iPSC-derived models to evaluate drug potency and toxicity.
  
• Independently perform animal studies, including handling, specialized dosing (e.g., intranasal or systemic), and performing necropsies and tissue collection for downstream analysis.
  
• Analyze multi-parametric datasets from both in vitro and in vivo studies and interpret results to help guide the next iteration of drug design.
  
• Contribute to technical reports, internal presentations, and regulatory filings. You will present your findings at project team meetings and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
  
• Maintain a high standard of laboratory safety and record-keeping, ensuring all in vivo work complies with guidelines and protocols.
  

What You’ll Bring:

• Must Haves:
  
  • D. in biochemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience or related field with 2+ years of industry or post Ph.D. experience.
    
  • Hands-on experience with rodent models, including proficiency in various administration routes and tissue processing (e.g., brain microdissection).
    
  • Strong background in mammalian cell culture; experience with neuronal cell lines or primary CNS cultures is highly preferred.
    
  • Experience with assays such as ELISA, MSD, Western Blotting, or IHC to validate in vivo outcomes.
    
  • Dogged determination to solve complex biological problems and ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, collaborative team.

Debilitating amyloid diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's affect more than a billion people worldwide. Drawing upon decades of academic research, AltPep was founded to create groundbreaking tools to detect and treat such diseases.

While still small and nimble, we have grown to a team of thirty talented individuals dedicated to improving the lives of billions. We continue to grow and are looking for talented people to join the team and help us accomplish our mission.

We offer competitive compensation to those joining our fight. The compensation range for a Scientist $115,000 - $140,000 depending on experience. AltPep takes care of its employees and offers generous stock options, medical, vision, and dental coverage for its employees and their dependents. We understand, and value, life outside of work and offer competitive PTO so you can rest and recharge.