Senior/Principal Scientist, Biologics drug discovery for Neuroscience indications

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative pharmaceutical company in Cambridge is seeking a PhD-level researcher to lead efforts in understanding mechanisms of CNS diseases. The ideal candidate has a strong background in antibody engineering and drug discovery, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. This role offers a collaborative opportunity to contribute to significant scientific advancements in CNS therapies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Proven track record in leading drug discovery programs.
• Familiarity with cellular function analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead target discovery efforts for CNS diseases.
• Design and develop novel biologics for CNS indications.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data.

Skills

Antibody engineering

Neuroscience expertise

Drug discovery

Bioinformatics analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

Job description

Job Description

About Simcere:

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group is an innovation-driven pharmaceutical company committed to "For patience, for life." Our core therapeutic areas include oncology, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. We are continuously expanding into areas with significant unmet medical needs. Our Cambridge, MA site is dedicated to cutting-edge research aligned with the company strategic directions.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD-level researcher to join our dynamic Neuroscience Discovery team. This role focuses on investigating cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Stroke and other CNS disorders. The successful candidate will lead and execute translational research to identify disease-relevant targets and develop therapeutic candidates with enhanced CNS delivery.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in antibody engineering, ideally for CNS indications, with a proven track record of applying these technologies to achieve development milestones. This position requires a strategic thinker who can integrate molecular engineering with functional disease biology. It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful discoveries in a highly collaborative and innovative environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead target discovery efforts by identifying and validating novel therapeutic candidates for CNS diseases.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership and execution in the design, and development of novel biologics, including antibodies and/or AOCs, for CNS indications.
• Drive innovation in CNS delivery, including the design and validation of blood-brain barrier crossing technologies.
• Design and execute in vitro and/or in vivo studies to validate therapeutic targets and to assess target engagement, mechanism of action, and therapeutic efficacy.
• Contribute to the establishment of advanced cellular models, such as iPSC-derived CNS cell types, to elucidate mechanisms of action and evaluate therapeutic responses.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and ensure scientific rigor across all research activities.
• Stay current with emerging scientific literature and technological advancements, actively contributing to project development, and innovation initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Proven expertise in protein/antibody engineering, and/or AOC development.
• A track record of successfully contributing to or leading drug discovery programs.
• Demonstrated proficiency in neurological disease biology and with relevant experience in cellular and in vivo models (e.g., iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, microglia; AD/PD animal models).
• Familiarity with cellular function analysis techniques, such as microscopy and biochemical assays.
• Experience with CNS delivery strategies and platform technologies is .
• Expertise in bioinformatics analysis of high-dimensional datasets (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics) is highly valued.