Principal Scientist - Translational/Muscle Biologist

UCB; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead innovative drug discovery efforts focused on muscle biology. This role involves overseeing projects, mentoring junior scientists, and developing cutting-edge cellular models for therapeutic applications. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge in muscle biology and a strong background in assay development. Join a collaborative team dedicated to advancing research in neuromuscular diseases and making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes. If you're passionate about science and innovation, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in drug discovery, biology, or bioengineering required.
• Strong track record in publishing and presenting research.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and supervise junior scientists in research.
• Design and validate cell models for therapeutic programs.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate insights into programs.

Skills

Muscle Biology

Assay Development

Project Management

Cell Culture

Biochemical Assays

Education

PhD in Drug Discovery or Biology

MS Degree in Related Field

Job description

Principal Scientist - Translational/Muscle Biologist

Join to apply for the Principal Scientist - Translational/Muscle Biologist role at UCB

Principal Scientist - Translational/Muscle Biologist

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Principal Scientist - Translational/Muscle Biologist role at UCB

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Make your mark for patients

We are seeking a

Make your mark for patients

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to join the US translational biology group based in Cambridge, MA and contribute to translational biology drug discovery efforts with an emphasis on muscle biology. The candidate will be responsible for leading projects, exploring new biology, designing, characterizing and deploying stem cell/3D models and other cellular/biochemical assays to be utilized in early drug discovery for multiple therapeutic programs and target discovery efforts. Collaborate in a matrixed team of scientists responsible for identification and knowledge building across pathobiological pathways and patient populations including those in neuromuscular disease related to nucleotide repeat expansions, genetic mutations, mitochondrial dysfunction or inflammation.

Base Salary: $137,600 to $180,600

Responsibilities:

• Team leadership: Supervise and mentor junior scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Project management: Oversee multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and effective resource allocation.
• Innovation: Identify and implement new technologies and methodologies to advance muscle cell biology and translational research.
• Model Development: Design, characterize and validate primary cell or stem cell/3D models for therapeutic programs.
• Assay Execution: Conduct cell-based functional assays to characterize therapeutic hits or validate new targets that could require gene editing.
• Translational Assays: Perform complex assays (2D to 3D models) to enhance understanding of neuromuscular disease biology.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate translational biology insights into therapeutic programs or new target proposals.
• Data Management: Document, analyze, and present data to internal teams.
  
  

Requirements

• PhD with 12+ years or MS Degree with 18+ years in drug discovery, biology, cellular biology, bioengineering or related field.
  
  

Competencies

• Deep knowledge in muscle biology, and translational assays.
• Strong assay development and drug discovery knowledge
• Strong track record of publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at scientific conferences
• Deep experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular and biochemical assays.
• Strong attention to detail, and enthusiasm for learning.
• Proven ability to lead projects, supervise and mentor scientists is a plus
  
  

If you are interested to learn more about R&D within UCB, please find more information here R&D at UCB .

RANDATUCB

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About Us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are around 8,500 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 equitable 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.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at UCB by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Principal Scientist” roles.

Fall 2025 Co-Op - Recombinant Mammalian MSAT (AST)

Technical Associate I/Research Technician

Don't see a perfect job? Apply opportunistically.

Head of Early-Stage Immunology Laboratory - Vaccines

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN 1, School of Medicine, Microbiology

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.