Lead Scientist, Electrophysiology (In Vitro / Ex Vivo)
Palo Alto, CA
About GondolaBio
GondolaBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing breakthrough therapeutics for genetic diseases. GondolaBio is an independent sister company to BridgeBio, originally carved out in 2024 after securing $300M in private financing from external investors. GondolaBio aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to discover, create, test, and deliver transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from genetic diseases.
Who You Are
We’re seeking an entrepreneurial scientific leader with deep expertise in in vitro and ex vivo electrophysiology to advance GondolaBio’s rare disease pipeline. You will serve as the scientific lead for multiple preclinical programs where electrophysiology plays a critical role in understanding target biology and driving drug discovery. You will design, execute, and interpret electrophysiology experiments that guide compound optimization and translational strategy.
This role offers the opportunity to shape research strategy, build electrophysiology capabilities, and mentor junior scientists while contributing to a growing interdisciplinary team. You will thrive in an environment where scientific rigor, creativity, and collaboration are valued equally, and where your work directly informs the development of transformative medicines for patients.
Key?Responsibilities
- Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro and ex vivo electrophysiology studies to characterize ion channels, transporters, and other excitable membrane proteins
- Apply advanced electrophysiology techniques (e.g., patch-clamp, multi-electrode arrays, automated electrophysiology platforms) to study compound mechanism of action, potency, selectivity, and safety liabilities
- Develop and validate electrophysiology assays to support drug discovery, including primary cell and tissue slice preparations
- Oversee external collaborations with CROs and academic partners to ensure high-quality and timely data delivery
- Communicate findings effectively with medicinal chemistry and biology colleagues to guide compound design and optimization
- Supervise and mentor junior scientists, building expertise within the team
- Stay current with emerging electrophysiology and ion channel drug discovery advances; represent GondolaBio at external meetings and in publications
- Contribute to the development of research strategy and integration of electrophysiology insights into broader discovery and translational programs
Preferred Education?&?Experience
- PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology, or a related field with 2+ years of laboratory experience (postdoc + industry/academic)
- Strong track record applying patch-clamp electrophysiology (manual and automated) or related ex vivo techniques in drug discovery or advanced academic research
- Demonstrated experience with ion channels, transporters, or excitable cells/tissues (neurons, cardiomyocytes, muscle fibers, etc.)
- Hands-on expertise in designing, executing, and interpreting electrophysiological assays for compound evaluation
- Experience managing projects, collaborating cross-functionally, and directing CROs or external partners
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to integrate electrophysiology with other discovery disciplines (structural biology, pharmacology, computational modeling)
Nice-to-Haves
- 2+ years of industry drug discovery experience highly valued, especially collaborations with medicinal chemistry teams to inform SAR
- Experience with tissue slice electrophysiology, synaptic physiology, or stem cell–derived excitable cell models
- Familiarity with assay automation, high-throughput electrophysiology platforms, and data analysis pipelines
- Broader understanding of preclinical drug discovery disciplines, including cellular disease models, target engagement assays, pharmacology, and PK/PD
- Experience mentoring and building an electrophysiology team in an industry setting
No matter your role at GondolaBio, successful team members are
- Patient Champions, who put patients first and uphold strict ethical standards
- Entrepreneurial Operators, who drive toward practical solutions and have an ownership mindset
- Truth Seekers, who are detailed, rational, and humble problem solvers
- Individuals Who Inspire Excellence in themselves and those around them
- High-quality executors, who execute against goals and milestones with quality, precision, and speed
What We Offer
- Patient Days, where we are fortunate to hear directly from individuals living with the conditions we are seeking to impact throughout the year and learn how we can improve our efforts
- A culture inspired by our values: put patients first, think independently, be radically transparent, every minute counts, and let the science speak
- An unyielding commitment to always putting patients first.
- A de-centralized model that enables our program teams to focus on advancing science and helping patients. Our affiliate structure is designed to eliminate bureaucracy and put decision-making power in the hands of those closest to the science
- A place where you own the vision – both for your program and your own career path
- A collaborative, fast-paced, data-driven environment where we inspire ourselves and each other to always perform at the top of our game
- Access to learning and development resources to help you get in the best professional shape of your life
- Robust and market-competitive compensation & benefits package (Base, Performance Bonus, Equity, health, welfare & retirement programs)
- Flexible PTO
- Rapid career advancement for strong performers
- Potential ability to work on multiple GondolaBio programs across multiple therapeutic areas over time
- Partnerships with leading institutions
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000 per year. The actual compensation offered will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and location. A bonus plan and equity will also be offered.
