Senior Research Scientist - In-Vitro Neuroscience

Arvinas is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from debilitating and life-threatening diseases through the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapies that degrade disease-causing proteins. Arvinas uses its proprietary PROTAC Discovery Engine platform to engineer PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras, or PROTACs, that are designed to harness the body’s own natural protein disposal system to selectively and efficiently degrade and remove disease-causing proteins.

This differentiated approach has enabled Arvinas to build a broad pipeline of investigational therapies across oncology and neurodegenerative diseases, including ARV-102, targeting LRRK2 for neurodegenerative diseases; ARV-806, targeting KRAS G12D for mutated cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers; ARV-393, targeting BCL6 for relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; ARV-027, targeting the polyglutamine-expanded androgen receptor, or polyQ-AR, in skeletal muscle for spinal bulbar muscular atrophy; and vepdegestrant, targeting the estrogen receptor for patients with locally advanced or metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer.

Building on its leadership in targeted protein degradation, Arvinas achieved a major milestone in May 2026 with the first-ever U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a PROTAC protein degrader therapy. The approval marked a significant advancement for the field and demonstrated the therapeutic potential of targeted protein degradation as a novel treatment modality. This PROTAC has been out-licensed for commercialization and further development.

#TeamArvinas is made up of passionate and curious employees, whose diverse thoughts and perspectives are highly valued. Arvinas employees embrace the freedom to pursue innovation, think creatively, and give back. They are driven by the company’s values and mission – to improve the lives of patients with serious diseases by pioneering therapies created with our revolutionary PROTAC protein degradation platform. We’re really excited about the work we’re doing inside and outside of Arvinas, and think you will be, too. But don’t just take our word for it – learn more about life at Arvinas and what employees have to say.

Arvinas is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut. For more information about Arvinas, visit www.arvinas.com and connect on LinkedIn and X.

 

Position Summary

We seek a key scientific contributor and knowledge leader in applied cellular neuroscience, with a demonstrated track record of success relating these techniques to the practice of drug discovery.  This is a lab-focused, hands-on scientific role focused on driving neuroscience discovery programs forward via biochemical, immunocyto-chemical, and histochemical pharmacology readouts, with a focus on primary cells and tissues of the CNS.  High-content imaging (HCI) and histo-chemistry experience strongly preferred.

This role requires an ability to work and collaborate in a matrixed environment, with accountability to multiple different project teams within Neuroscience.   Core competencies in plate-based pharmacology, target validation via genomic and small molecule approaches, & plate-based data analysis & statistics, are essential for success in this role.  Equally important is an aptitude for leading the organization in novel technologic approaches that will impact the portfolio, combined with the potential to develop and train other scientists across the research organization.  

This position will be located at our headquarters in New Haven, CT & requires regular, hands-on, in-lab experimental work.  

 

Principal Responsibilities 

Key responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to: 

• Design and implement in vitro pharmacology readouts utilizing cellular biochemical, functional, and image-based endpoints. Modalities may include (but not limited to) ELISA/MSD, quantitative WB, HCI, & bioluminescence-based assay formats.
• The incumbent will provide technical and scientific leadership in the area of immuno-histochemical endpoints in CNS and other tissues and be a core contributor in a collaborative HCI working group focused on best practices and robust solutions to assay design challenges in the imaging space.
• Timely generation of data to support program decision making, and communication of results to team and senior leadership.
• Set, maintain, and be an internal leader by example for high standards in data analysis and QC. Drive internal dialog around innovative ways to interrogate data.  
• Interface directly with the automated biology organization to identify automation-amendable assay strategies and drive the transfer of automation-ready assays. 

 

Qualifications 

• As an assay designer and hands-on cell biologist, demonstrated ability to balance speed with rigor in a fast-paced, dynamic drug discovery environment.
• Aptitude for systematic troubleshooting of biological assay systems
• Energetic, positive leader by example, with the capacity & enthusiasm to grow into a leader of a small team of scientists.   

Must be legally authorized to work in the US without the need for employer sponsorship now or at any time in the future

• Lab-based: The duties of this role are generally conducted in a lab environment. Employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to lift/carry 15/30 pounds unassisted/assisted; work comfortable in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious and hazardous materials; gown/degown PPE; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving, analysis and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

 

Education

• B.S. / M.S with 12+ years, or Ph.D. with 2-5 years of imaging, cellular and molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, assay development, and biomolecular screening experience (neuroscience background with pharma/biotech experience preferred).

 

Arvinas is proud to offer a competitive package of base and incentive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, wellness and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits include group medical, vision and dental coverage, group and supplemental life insurance, and much more. To learn more about Arvinas, please visit www.arvinas.com

Arvinas is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.