Director, Translational Science (Neurology)

Eisai US; Nutley (NJ); Hybrid; USD 204,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

Eisai US is seeking a Director of Translational Science (Neurology) to drive translational strategies across neurology programs from discovery to early clinical development. The role focuses on linking disease biology, biomarkers, and outcomes to enable data-driven decisions, complementing Alzheimer’s focus with non-Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative expertise.

The candidate will lead biomarker strategy, data interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration, mentored by senior leadership and

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 8–10 years of relevant pharma/biotech drug development experience.
• Hands-on experience with biomarkers (fluid, imaging, and/or digital).
• Ability to design translational strategies and biomarker programs.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and drive execution of translational strategies across neurology programs.
• Design and implement multi-modal biomarker approaches (biofluid, imaging, digital biomarkers).
• Help define data-driven decision frameworks with translational and clinical leadership.
• Translate disease biology into testable clinical hypotheses and biomarker strategies.
• Lead translational components from study design through data analysis and interpretation.
• Interpret biomarker and clinical data to inform program decisions and development strategy.
• Bridge preclinical findings and clinical development with mechanistic insights.
• Present findings internally and externally; contribute to publications and congresses.

Skills

Translational science

Biomarker development

Data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

PhD/MD or equivalent in Neuroscience or related field

Job description

At Eisai, satisfying unmet medical needs and increasing the benefits healthcare provides to patients, their families, and caregivers is Eisai’s human health care (hhc) mission. We’re a growing pharmaceutical company that is breaking through in neurology and oncology, with a strong emphasis on research and development. Our history includes the development of many innovative medicines, notably the discovery of the world's most widely-used treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. As we continue to expand, we are seeking highly-motivated individuals who want to work in a fast-paced environment and make a difference. If this is your profile, we want to hear from you.

Director, Translational Science (Neurology) Position Summary The Director of Translational Science is a scientifically driven leader who contributes to and drives the execution of integrated translational strategies across neurology programs spanning discovery through early clinical development. This role focuses on enabling data-driven decision-making by linking disease biology, biomarkers, and clinical outcomes. This position is designed to complement existing expertise in Alzheimer’s disease by bringing deep knowledge in non-Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, primary tauopathies, and sleep-related neurobiology. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific insight with hands-on engagement in biomarker strategy, data interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Translational Strategy & Execution

• Contribute to and drive execution of translational strategies across neurology programs
• Design and implement multi-modal biomarker approaches (e.g., biofluid, imaging, digital biomarkers)
• Help define data-driven decision frameworks in collaboration with translational and clinical leadership
• Translate emerging disease biology into testable clinical hypotheses and biomarker strategies

Clinical & Scientific Integration

• Lead translational components of programs from study design through data analysis and interpretation
• Interpret and contextualize biomarker and clinical data to inform program decisions and development strategy
• Partner with Clinical, Clinical Pharmacology, and Biostatistics teams to support trial design, dose strategy, and endpoint selection
• Bridge preclinical findings and clinical development through mechanistic and disease-relevant insights

Biomarker Development & Data Insights

• Contribute to development and implementation of biomarker strategies supporting clinical trials
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure robust biomarker performance and data quality
• Collaborate with data scientists to integrate datasets and deliver actionable insights from complex, multimodal data

Collaboration & Scientific Leadership

• Serve as a key translational representative on cross-functional program teams
• Influence program direction through scientific insight and data-driven recommendations
• Act as a scientific thought partner within the team and contribute to capability building
• Present findings internally and externally; contribute to scientific publications and congress presentations
• May mentor junior scientists or contribute to development of team expertise

Innovation & External Engagement

• Engage with academic and industry experts to stay at the forefront of emerging science in neurodegenerative diseases
• Apply innovative approaches (e.g., omics, AI/ML, digital biomarkers) to better understand disease heterogeneity and progression
• Integrate multimodal data to refine disease models, patient stratification approaches, and biomarker strategies

Regulatory Contributions

• Contribute to translational aspects of regulatory documents and submissions (e.g., protocols, investigator brochures, briefing materials)
• Partner with senior leaders to support Health Authority interactions and strategy
• Support development of companion diagnostic and biomarker qualification strategies

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related field
• ~8–10 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical/biotechnology drug development
• Strong expertise in translational science and biomarker development
• Demonstrated experience supporting translational aspects of clinical programs
• Hands-on experience with biomarkers (fluid, imaging, and/or digital)

Preferred Scientific Expertise

• Deep expertise in one or more non-Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative diseases, including: Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, Primary tauopathies (e.g., PSP, CBD)
• Experience with disease-relevant biomarkers (e.g., α-synuclein, tau, sleep/circadian measures) strongly preferred
• Familiarity with clinical endpoints and disease progression in relevant indications

Core Capabilities

• Strong ability to interpret complex biological and clinical data and translate into actionable insights
• Proven ability to collaborate and influence within cross-functional teams
• Scientific curiosity, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset
• Excellent communication skills and ability to distill complex concepts for diverse audiences

Why Join Us?

You will join a collaborative and innovative translational science team focused on advancing the next generation of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. This role offers the opportunity to shape translational strategy, deepen understanding of complex disease biology, and contribute meaningfully to improving patient outcomes.

Salary Transparency

The annual base salary range for the Director, Translational Science (Neurology) is from :$204,300-$268,200

Under current guidelines, this position is eligible to participate in : Eisai Inc. Annual Incentive Plan & Eisai Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan. Final pay determinations will depend on various factors including but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, and skills. Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. For additional information on Company employee benefits programs, visit https://careers.eisai.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits. Certain other benefits may be available for this position

Eisai is an equal opportunity employer and as such, is committed in policy and in practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. Similarly, considering the need for reasonable accommodations, Eisai prohibits discrimination against persons because of disability, including disabled veterans.

Eisai Inc. participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of all new hires in the United States. Right To Work E-Verify Participation At Eisai Inc., human health care (hhc) is our goal.

As the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., we have a passionate commitment to patient care that is the driving force behind our efforts to discover and develop innovative therapies to help address unmet medical needs. Eisai is a fully integrated pharmaceutical business that operates in two global business groups: oncology and neurology (dementia-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases). Our U.S. headquarters, commercial and clinical development organizations are located in New Jersey; our discovery labs are in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and our global demand chain organization resides in Maryland and North Carolina.