Principal Scientist

Scholar Rock, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Scholar Rock is seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist, Biomarker Development, to provide scientific leadership for biomarker strategy across neuromuscular preclinical programs. Reporting to the Senior Director, Head of Biomarker Development, this role will guide assay development, data generation, and interpretation to enable translation from discovery through early clinical development.

The candidate will lead biomarker strategy, serve as SME in translational science, and work with

Qualifications

• PhD in skeletal muscle biology, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in biotech/pharma R&D, preferably in neuromuscular disease, with a strong biomarker track record.
• Experience implementing biomarker strategies supporting drug discovery and preclinical development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead biomarker strategies for neuromuscular preclinical programs, aligning with program objectives.
• Serve as biomarker and translational science expert on cross-functional teams, guiding biomarker selection and interpretation.
• Integrate hypotheses into fit-for-purpose biomarker approaches for target engagement and disease progression.
• Identify scientific opportunities, risks, and gaps and develop strategies to address them.
• Collaborate with Discovery, Bioanalytical, and Clinical Pharmacology to translate findings into feasible biomarker approaches.
• Critical analysis and communication of biomarker data, including limitations and implications for decisions.

Skills

Biomarker discovery

Biomarker development

Immunoassays

Bioinformatics

Imaging

Flow cytometry

Molecular assays

Education

PhD in skeletal muscle biology, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or related discipline

Tools

CRO management

Job description

Scholar Rock is delivering muscle-targeted breakthroughs to transform the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and other rare neuromuscular diseases where muscle atrophy remains a critical unmet need. As a global leader in myostatin biology, a field focused on proteins that regulate muscle mass, the biopharmaceutical company is named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures. Our commitment to unlock fundamentally different treatment approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients through its highly innovative anti-myostatin program, including opportunities in additional rare neuromuscular diseases. Learn more about our neuromuscular franchise at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock on X and on LinkedIn.

Summary of Position

Scholar Rock is seeking an accomplished and highly collaborative Principal Scientist, Biomarker Development, to provide scientific leadership for biomarker strategy and execution across preclinical programs in neuromuscular disease. Reporting to the Senior Director, Head of Biomarker Development, this individual will support the discovery, development, and implementation of fit-for-purpose biomarker approaches that enable translation from discovery through early clinical development.

The Principal Scientist will serve as a subject matter expert in biomarker and translational science, partnering closely with Discovery Biology, Bioanalytical, and Clinical Pharmacology and other cross‑functional stakeholders. This individual will be responsible for developing biomarker strategies, defining context‑of‑use, guiding assay development and data generation, interpreting biomarker data, and contributing to program strategy.

The successful candidate will bring deep scientific expertise, strong strategic thinking, and hands‑on experience translating biological hypotheses into clinically actionable biomarker approaches. They will integrate discovery, translational, and clinical perspectives to support assessment of target engagement, pharmacodynamic response, and neuromuscular disease biology and progression.

Position Responsibilities

Biomarker Strategy & Scientific Leadership

• Develop and lead biomarker strategies for neuromuscular preclinical programs, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Serve as a biomarker and translational science subject matter expert on cross‑functional program teams, providing scientific guidance on biomarker selection, implementation, and interpretation.
• Integrate biological hypotheses and mechanism of action into fit‑for‑purpose biomarker approaches that inform target engagement, pharmacodynamic response, and disease progression.
• Identify scientific and technical opportunities, risks, and gaps within program biomarker plans and develop strategies to address them.

Biomarker Development & Execution

• Identify and manage CRO’s, design and execute rodent pharmacology studies to enable translation of PK/PD/efficacy to the clinic.
• Lead the design, development, qualification, and implementation of fit‑for‑purpose biomarker assays across relevant matrices including fluid, tissue, imaging, molecular, and cellular biomarkers.
• Maintain an active laboratory presence, personally designing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments to develop and evaluate biomarker assays, as needed.
• Collaborate closely with Discovery, Bioanalytical, and Clinical Pharmacology to translate mechanistic findings and preclinical biomarker hypotheses into clinically feasible and informative approaches.
• Critically analyze and integrate complex biomarker datasets, clearly communicating conclusions, limitations, and implications for program decision‑making.
• Maintain awareness of emerging biomarker technologies and scientific advances relevant to the portfolio.

Candidate Requirements

• PhD in skeletal muscle biology, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in biotech/pharma R&D, preferably in neuromuscular disease, with a strong track record in biomarker discovery and development.
• Experience implementing biomarker strategies that support drug discovery and preclinical drug development.
• Deep expertise in one or more biomarker disciplines with working knowledge across relevant technologies such as immunoassays, bioinformatics, imaging, flow cytometry, and molecular assays.
• Experience providing managerial and scientific oversight of CROs, external laboratories, technology vendors, and/or academic collaborators.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive complex scientific initiatives in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Passion for rare disease research and a commitment to translating rigorous science into meaningful benefits for patients.

$175,000 - $225,000 a year

Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees .