Principal Scientist for Translational Research

Role Summary

This role leads internal translational research projects in Cambridge, MA, spanning the lifecycle management of marketed products and advancing new small-molecule therapies into areas of unmet medical need. You will design and implement in vitro and in vivo studies that reflect human disease, analyze clinical samples, and identify preclinical biomarkers to inform human studies. You will select and manage contract research organizations and external collaborators, and partner with cross-functional teams to align scientific strategies with organizational goals. The ideal candidate has intellectual curiosity, strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to drive projects independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Identify and partner with Collaborators and/or Contract Research Organizations (CROs); interact directly with Principal Investigators and other key personnel for study coordination and planning, protocol development, research report writing and review, and project timelines; monitor and trouble-shoot outsourced studies through regular communications and interim data reviews.
• Lead research by designing and executing in vitro (cellular and molecular assays) and in vivo studies in disease models to meet project objectives.
• Troubleshoot protocols, adapt new protocols and probe the scientific literature to identify new approaches as needed.
• Analyze, interpret and effectively communicate research data.
• Write-up and review major scientific findings for internal research reports and/or publication.

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Required: 8+ years biotechnology/biopharma or pharma industry experience.
• Required: Experience establishing external collaborations and/or outsourcing preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo), including CRO selection and management.
• Required: Experience designing, establishing, and trouble-shooting in vitro cell-based assays and in vivo models reflective of human disease.
• Required: Experience with human samples from clinical studies.
• Required: Experience with cell-based assays, biochemical/molecular techniques, preclinical rodent studies.
• Required: Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to multi-task and collaborate with other team members.
• Preferred: Completion of a post-doctoral fellowship.
• Preferred: Evidence of successful, independent research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
• Preferred: Experience advancing drug discovery programs towards clinical development.
• Preferred: Broad understanding of biological mechanisms driving acute and chronic diseases across multiple organ systems.

Education

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field.

Additional Requirements

• Travel required for occasional conference, CRO study monitoring or collaboration.