R&D Scientific Lead

Leadingnation; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Leadingnation seeks a PhD-level scientist to lead strategic R&D origination and translational execution in CNS pharmacology. You will synthesize literature, design data-driven PoC proposals, and drive early pipeline initiatives with CROs to ensure data integrity and timely execution.

Responsibilities include PK/PD and ADME study oversight, translational model development, and cross-regional alignment with teams in the US and UK.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology (neuroscience preferred).
• Experience with CNS disorders or translational pharmacology is a plus.
• Strong writing and data-synthesis skills; familiarity with biotech R&D workflows.

Responsibilities

• Drive targeted literature reviews and competitive landscape analysis across CNS pharmacology and translational neuroscience.
• Evaluate MoA and PoC to generate proposals for internal pipeline origination and external collaborations.
• Design and oversee preclinical PK/PD and ADME studies; establish translationally relevant disease models with CROs.
• Coordinate cross-regional scientific operations between HK and US/UK teams.

Skills

English Proficiency

Cantonese

Analytical Thinking

Project Management

Academic Writing

Education

PhD in Biology

Tools

EndNote

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Strategic R&D Origination & Scientific Assessment

• Drive targeted, high-impact scientific literature reviews and competitive landscape analysis across CNS pharmacology, translational neuroscience, and high-unmet-need therapeutic areas.
• Evaluate and synthesize mode of action (MoA) and preclinical proof-of-concept (PoC) to generate data-driven proposals for novel internal pipeline origination and external collaborative R&D initiatives.

Preclinical Development & Translational Execution

• Design, implement, and oversee robust preclinical pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (/PD) and ADME studies to characterize drug candidates' exposure-response relationships.
• Architect and establish translationally relevant large-animal disease models through top-tier global Contract Research Organizations (CROs), ensuring rigorous quality, timeline, and data integrity standards.

Pipeline Roadmap Oversight & Technical Governance

• Support the development of early-stage R&D initiative roadmaps, aligned with global development goals.
• Monitor and audit scientific progression against key strategic milestones; proactively identify technical bottlenecks, target-related risks, or study delays, co-developing data-backed mitigation strategies with cross-functional teams (Clinical Operations, Pharmacology, Translational Science).

Global Cross-Regional Alignment & Scientific Operations

• Coordinate technical communication between the Hong Kong team and U.S./UK teams to ensure seamless task synchronization and alignment on strategic priorities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: PhD in biology (neuroscience preferred), with a strong preference for a focus on pharmacology (neuropharmacology, translational pharmacology, or CNS drug development). Candidates with research experience in CNS disorders (e.g., PWS, ASD, AD) are highly desirable.
• Experience: Open to fresh PhD graduates, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career professionals. Academic project experience (leading a thesis/postdoc project, multi-lab collaboration, research timeline management) or relevant industry exposure (supporting R&D project initiation, clinical trial coordination) is a strong plus.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in scientific literature analysis, data synthesis, and academic/technical writing (theses, research papers, feasibility reports). Familiarity with basic biotech R&D workflows (preclinical/clinical drug development) and tools (EndNote, GraphPad Prism) is preferred.
• Skills: Excellent verbal and written English (mandatory); proficiency in Cantonese/Mandarin is preferred. Strong analytical thinking, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Proactive learning attitude, team-oriented mindset, and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced startup. Familiar with or eager to learn AI-powered literature/market research and R&D project management tools to optimize initiation efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.