Head of Neural Network Dysfunction Research

UCB; Eigenbrakel; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB in Belgium is seeking a Head of Neural Network Dysfunction Research to shape and lead neural network dysfunction research across diseases, translating emerging science into differentiated therapeutic opportunities.

You will combine deep neuroscience expertise with drug-discovery judgement, setting strategy, investing wisely, and advancing a high-quality research portfolio with cross-disciplinary collaboration and external partnerships.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related scientific discipline, with substantial drug-discovery experience.
• Deep expertise in systems or network neuroscience, with recognized external scientific credibility and strong understanding of disease biology.
• Significant leadership experience, including setting strategy, guiding multidisciplinary teams and developing scientific talent.
• Evidence of translating scientific insight into portfolio decisions, therapeutic hypotheses and research programs.
• Clear, influential communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across disciplines and organizations.
• Experience in computational approaches, human genetics, biomarkers or advanced therapeutic modalities is advantageous, not essential.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver a research strategy for neural network dysfunction across relevant diseases and therapeutic opportunities.
• Lead portfolio choices using strong scientific evidence, patient relevance, competitive insight and clear success criteria.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams from target identification through candidate selection and early development.
• Build external collaborations and represent the organization through scientific networks, partnerships and presentations.
• Develop research leaders and create an inclusive environment that supports challenge, learning, accountability and collaboration.
• Connect discovery, translational and clinical perspectives to improve decisions and accelerate promising programs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Neuroscience

Drug discovery

Team leadership

Communication

Computational approaches

Biomarkers

Translational research

Education

Doctoral degree in neuroscience

Tools

Bioinformatics

Genomics analysis

Biomarker analysis

Job description

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative and scientifically rigorous Head of Neural Network Dysfunction Research to join our Belgium Research team in Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium.

About The Role

In Belgium, Neuroscience Research is organized across three focus areas: Neuroimmunology, Neurodegeneration and Neural Network Dysfunction. This newly created role reflects the evolution of the third focus area, broadening its scope from epilepsy to neural network dysfunction across diseases.

As the Head of Neural Network Dysfunction Research, you will shape and lead research into neural network dysfunction across diseases, translating emerging science into differentiated therapeutic opportunities. Combining deep neuroscience expertise with drug-discovery judgement, you will work across disease biology and scientific disciplines to set strategy, make clear investment choices and advance a high-quality research portfolio. You will create an environment where teams can challenge assumptions, learn quickly and deliver meaningful scientific impact. The role will require occasional travel and up to a maximum of 10%.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to the Head of Belgium Research and will work with multidisciplinary research and development teams spanning discovery science, translational research, clinical development and portfolio leadership. You will also build productive relationships with academic researchers, biotechnology partners and external experts. Through clear scientific direction and inclusive leadership, you will connect expertise across the organization and strengthen decision‑making from early research through development.

What You'll Do

• Define and deliver a research strategy for neural network dysfunction across relevant diseases and therapeutic opportunities.
• Lead portfolio choices using strong scientific evidence, patient relevance, competitive insight and clear success criteria.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams from target identification through candidate selection and early development.
• Build external collaborations and represent the organization through scientific networks, partnerships and presentations.
• Develop research leaders and create an inclusive environment that supports challenge, learning, accountability and collaboration.
• Connect discovery, translational and clinical perspectives to improve decisions and accelerate promising programs.

Interested? For this role we're looking for the following education, experience and skills

• A doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related scientific discipline, with substantial drug-discovery experience.
• Deep expertise in systems or network neuroscience, with recognized external scientific credibility and strong understanding of disease biology.
• Significant leadership experience, including setting strategy, guiding multidisciplinary teams and developing scientific talent.
• Evidence of translating scientific insight into portfolio decisions, therapeutic hypotheses and research programs.
• Clear, influential communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across disciplines and organizations.
• Experience in computational approaches, human genetics, biomarkers, neuroimmune biology or advanced therapeutic modalities is advantageous, not essential.

About Us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don't just complete tasks, we create value. We aren't afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We go beyond to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that's on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.