Research Scientist, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Drug Discovery

Scorpion Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

401(k) with match

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid volunteer time off

Holidays & well‑being benefits

Sick time and vacation

Job summary

Takeda, within the Gastrointestinal and Inflammation (GI2) Drug Discovery Unit, seeks a Research Scientist to guide project execution from concept to candidate selection. You will generate robust data and contribute scientific insight to cross-functional teams focused on GI and inflammatory diseases.

The role emphasizes hands-on molecular and cellular assay development, in vivo studies, and clear scientific communication.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS/BS with years of relevant experience in inflammation/immunology.
• Experience in developing cell-based and biochemical assays; IBD experience is a plus.
• Hands-on lab skills include flow cytometry and primary human immune cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for project implementation and coordination.
• Conceive projects from concept to candidate selection.
• Generate rigorous data to inform decisions.
• Present project findings to internal and external audiences.
• Identify new experimental approaches based on literature and theory.
• Execute well-defined experiments and solve problems.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Immunology

Flow cytometry

qPCR

CRISPR

In vivo pharmacology

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in a scientific discipline

MS with 6+ years

BS with 8+ years

Tools

AlphaLISA

MSD

ELISA

Job description

Objective / Purpose:

Research Scientist to join Takeda’s Gastrointestinal and Inflammation (GI2) Drug Discovery Unit biology and cross-functional discovery teams to create novel drug candidates for gastrointestinal, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases.

Your role:

• Provide technical leadership for research project implementation and coordination.
• Begin at project conception and help advance to candidate selection.
• Generate rigorous data to drive confident decisions.
• Contribute critical thinking and scientific insight to teamwork.

Accountabilities:

• Identify, plan, and execute well-defined scientific projects.
• Initiate investigations of new experimental approaches using scientific theory and technical literature.
• Perform analyses, interpret results, and determine appropriate actions using defined practices.
• Proactively contribute to solving complex problems using relevant information, technology, and resources.
• Prepare and present comprehensive project and technical reports to internal and external audiences.

Education & Competencies:

• PhD (scientific discipline) or MS (6+ years) or BS (8+ years).
• Accomplishments in inflammation/immunology; IBD experience is a plus.
• Expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology; experience developing cell-based and biochemical assays.
• Hands‑on experience: flow cytometry; primary human immune cell and fibroblast culture; cytokine analysis (AlphaLISA, MSD, ELISA); qPCR; gene editing (CRISPR, siRNA).
• In vitro assays for potency and mechanism of action.
• Experience with in vivo efficacy/pharmacology/MoA studies in rodent models.
• Independently design and execute experiments; strong problem‑solving; excellent written/verbal communication; strong organizational skills.

Compensation and Benefits Summary:

• U.S. base salary range: $116,000.00–$182,270.00.
• May be eligible for incentives and benefits including medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with match, disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, holidays, well‑being benefits; up to 80 hours sick time and up to 120 hours paid vacation for new hires.