Senior Molecular Pharmacology Advisor, Neuroscience

Socket.dev; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, vision, life保险

Job summary

Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is a clinical-stage company developing orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonists as a new class of medicines for narcolepsy and sleep-wake disorders. We are seeking a Sr.

Advisor, Molecular Pharmacology to serve as a senior scientific contributor, reporting to the Head of Molecular Pharmacology. This Associate Director level role provides deep expertise in molecular pharmacology and in vitro translational neuroscience, with a

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or related field.
• 6+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience (or MS/BS with commensurate industry experience).
• Demonstrated experience with in vitro functional and affinity modulation of GPCR targets in a drug discovery setting, as well as expertise in brain slice electrophysiology and related circuit-level approaches (eg, MEA experience highly desired), including study design, CRO oversight, and data interpretation to support decision-making in drug development programs
• Strong foundation in molecular and cellular pharmacology.
• Experience working with CROs and external research partners.
• Proven ability to connect mechanistic data to in vivo relevance and program decision-making.
• Highly collaborative, scientifically rigorous, and comfortable operating in a matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Molecular Pharmacology team’s subject‑matter expert in neuroscience pharmacology, guiding in vitro and ex vivo assay selection, study design, and translational interpretation of results.
• Own the scientific strategy and design of in vitro and ex vivo pharmacology studies, with emphasis on brain slice electrophysiology and circuit‑level functional assays executed at CROs.
• Manage external CROs, including protocol development, technical alignment, data review, and troubleshooting to ensure high‑quality, fit‑for‑purpose studies.
• Partner closely with the Director of Molecular Pharmacology and cross‑functional colleagues (chemistry, biology, translational, in vivo) to interpret results and inform program decisions.
• Contribute to broader scientific discussions around program direction, helping refine hypotheses and deepen biological understanding.
• Provide scientific guidance and review to junior team members (no direct people management responsibilities).

Skills

GPCR pharmacology

Brain slice electrophysiology

CRO management

Translational neuroscience

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or related field

MS/BS with commensurate industry experience

Tools

MEA experience

Brain slice electrophysiology equipment

Job description

Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is a clinical-stage company developing orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonists as a new class of medicines for narcolepsy and sleep-wake disorders. We are seeking a Sr.

Advisor, Molecular Pharmacology to serve as a senior scientific contributor, reporting to the Head of Molecular Pharmacology. This Associate Director level role provides deep expertise in molecular pharmacology and in vitro translational neuroscience, with a