Scientist/Senior Scientist, Drug Discovery for Neuroscience

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group in Cambridge, MA is seeking a PhD-level in-lab researcher to join the Neuroscience Discovery team. You will investigate cellular mechanisms of CNS diseases and develop translational strategies to identify targets and candidate therapies with enhanced CNS delivery.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with in vitro and in vivo therapeutic development, and will work independently as well as in a collaborative setting to advance impactful discoveries.

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 4+ years post-doc or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Hands-on CNS biology with cellular and animal models.
• Experience with brain delivery strategies and BBB shuttles preferred.
• Proficiency in cellular function analysis and mechanism-of-action studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead target discovery by identifying and validating CNS therapeutic candidates.
• Advance CNS delivery innovation, including BBB shuttle design and validation.
• Drive target validation across CNS/psychiatric/metabolic disorders.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies for target engagement and efficacy.
• Analyze complex data, troubleshoot, and ensure scientific rigor across research.

Skills

CNS disease biology

Target discovery

Antibody engineering

BBB shuttle technologies

In vivo models

Cellular biology

Microscopy

Flow cytometry

Biochemical assays

Bioinformatics

Drug discovery

Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Antibody engineering

Bioconjugation

Job description

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group is an innovation-driven pharmaceutical company committed to "For patience, for life." Our core therapeutic areas include oncology, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and autoimmune diseases. We are continuously expanding into areas with significant unmet medical needs. Our Cambridge, MA site is dedicated to cutting-edge research aligned with the company strategic directions.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD-level in-lab researcher to join our dynamic Neuroscience Discovery team. This role focuses on investigating cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Stroke, Pain, Psychiatric diseases and other CNS disorders. The successful candidate will develop and execute translational research to identify disease-relevant targets and develop therapeutic candidates with enhanced CNS delivery.

The ideal candidate will have hands on experience developing and testing therapeutic candidates in vitro and in vivo. This position requires an independent bench scientist and strategic thinker who can integrate therapeutic evaluation with functional disease biology. It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful discoveries in a highly collaborative and innovative environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead target discovery efforts by identifying and validating novel therapeutic candidates for CNS diseases.
• Advance innovation in CNS delivery, including the design, engineering, and validation of antibody‑based blood-brain barrier shuttle technologies.
• Drive target identification and validation across CNS, psychiatric, or metabolic disorders, leveraging expertise in lipid dysmetabolism, neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, or vascular impairment.
• Design and execute in vitro and/or in vivo studies to validate therapeutic targets and assess target engagement, mechanism of action, and therapeutic efficacy.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and ensure scientific rigor across all research activities.
• Stay abreast of emerging literature and technologies, contributing to strategic planning, and project development.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, with a minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in CNS disease biology, with hands‑on experience using relevant cellular and animal models.
• Familiarity with brain delivery strategies and platform technologies, including antibody‑based BBB shuttles or other CNS targeting modalities is preferred.
• Experience in CNS, psychiatric, metabolic, or cardiovascular disorders, with a deep understanding of disease mechanisms and key cellular pathways.
• Proficiency in cellular function analysis, including microscopy, flow cytometry, biochemical assays, and quantitative readouts.
• Experience applying bioinformatics approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, or other high‑dimensional datasets) for target identification, mechanism‑of‑action studies, or pathway analysis is highly valued.
• Expertise in protein/antibody engineering, bioconjugation technologies, and/or AOC development.
• A track record of impactful contributions to drug discovery programs.