Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist

Role Summary

Principal Scientist (Level 4) responsible for bench research in a laboratory focused on preclinical and clinical biomarker assay development within Disease Area X (DAx). Designs, develops, and qualifies biomarker assays that support drug discovery and development programs across DAx's portfolio, including renal, liver, fibrosis, and exploratory indications. Works within a matrixed team, contributing technical expertise to translational strategies that enable patient stratification and clinical impact. Location: Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, and genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs.
• The ideal candidate will bring deep technical and strategic expertise is designing, developing, optimizing, and clinically implementing nucleic acid-biomarker assays (e.g. qPCR, ddPCR, NGS-based assays). Ensuring analytical rigor, robustness, and “fit-for purpose” performance expectations and technical assessment standards.
• Execute laboratory-based research, including hands-on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with DAx therapeutic area priorities.
• Support the implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting of results.
• Maintain exemplary laboratory practices, including accurate record keeping and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD or MD, Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred, with 4+ years’ experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field, or BS/MS with 8+ years’ experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field.
• Required: Demonstrated experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics, or related fields within pharma or biotech.
• Required: Demonstrated expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical and/or clinical studies across various animal and human matrices.
• Required: Proven skill in independently developing and executing biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.
• Required: Innovative and critical thinking, with a track record of scientific impact and continuous improvement.
• Required: Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Required: Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability in laboratory research.
• Preferred: Experience with multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches, especially as applied to renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory disease areas.
• Preferred: Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience with LBA and/or LC-MS based biomarker or assay quantification.
• Preferred: Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis.
• Preferred: Experience working with CROs or external vendors to support assay development, biomarker studies or analytical deliverables.