Group Leader | Molecular Neurobiology
Pearl River, Ny, Us
As a Principal Scientist, served as Group Leader and responsible for managing Wyeth Neuroscience's molecular neurobiology group, a group focused on leveraging systems biology approaches, expertise and technology, responsible for supporting target ID campaigns for all CNS therapeutic area portfolios (psychiatry, neurodegeneration and pain). Scope of responsibilities included management of a team of 7 FTE (+ 2 Post Docs) focused on the evaluation, optimization and application of omics-based profiling platforms (e.g. DNA/RNA sequencing, microarray, MALDI MS, SNP discovery) in drug hunting campaigns. Specific experience working with viral-mediated (lenti, adeno) approaches to target validation and the development of high-throughput assay platforms focused on synaptic plasticity readouts (e.g. neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth). Research expert in neuropeptide systems of the CNS, with a specific focus on oxytocin and vasopressin. During period, served as team leader for Wyeth's oxytocin receptor agonist (OxtR) and vasopressin receptor programs (V1a, V1b). Advanced several targets through successful HTS, lead ID & optimization campaigns and into clinical candidate selection. Led team the advanced the field's first small molecule oxytocin receptor agonist WAY-267464 (Ring RH Neuropharm 2010).