Head of Biomarker Development

Role Summary

Head of Biomarker Development – a strategic scientific leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the biomarker strategy across Scholar Rock’s pipeline to enable translation from discovery through clinical development in neuromuscular and rare diseases. Reports to the Vice President, Head of Preclinical Sciences, and serves as a key member of the research leadership team. Integrates discovery, translational, and clinical perspectives to ensure biomarker strategies inform patient selection, target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and disease progression across development stages.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the biomarker development strategy across preclinical and clinical programs, ensuring alignment with overall portfolio goals.
• Serve as a translational science thought leader, integrating biomarker approaches into program strategy, clinical development plans, and indication expansion activities.
• Represent Biomarker Development in cross-functional governance and portfolio planning forums.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in biotech/pharma R&D with a strong track record in biomarker discovery and development, including translational application in clinical trials.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and implementing biomarker strategies for rare diseases; experience in neuromuscular disorders strongly preferred.
• Proven expertise with a range of biomarker platforms (immunoassays, LC-MS, transcriptomics, imaging, flow cytometry, digital pathology, and molecular assays).
• Familiarity with bioanalytical and regulatory requirements for biomarker integration in IND-enabling studies and clinical development.
• Experience managing CROs, external consultants, and collaborative teams.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to influence across levels and functions.
• Passion for rare disease research and a commitment to improving patients’ lives.

Skills

• Biomarker assay development (fluid, tissue, imaging, molecular, and cellular).
• Translational science and integration into program strategy and clinical development plans.
• Regulatory and clinical integration of biomarker data (INDs, CTAs, CSRs, etc.).
• Data generation, interpretation, and collaboration with discovery and clinical teams.
• Experience with technologies including immunoassays, LC-MS, SIMOA, RNA-seq, digital pathology, imaging biomarkers, and multiparameter flow cytometry.

Education

• PhD in biology, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or related discipline.

Additional Requirements

• None specified.