Senior Principal Scientist - Translational Muscle Biology

UCB; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to lead translational biology drug discovery with emphasis on muscle biology. You will shape in vitro and in vivo models and develop cellular and biochemical assays for early programs across multiple neuromuscular targets.

This role combines hands-on bench leadership with team mentorship in a matrix environment, guiding project milestones, adopting new technologies, and collaborating across functions to advance candidate programs.

Qualifications

• PhD with 15+ years or MS with 20+ years in drug discovery, biology, cellular biology, bioengineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor junior scientists in translational biology.
• Oversee multiple projects ensuring timely milestone delivery.
• Identify and implement new technologies to advance muscle cell biology.
• Design, characterize, and validate primary cell or stem cell/3D models for programs.
• Lead design of cell-based assays to assess therapeutic candidates or targets.
• Maintain a minimum of 30% hands-on bench contribution.
• Drive in vivo and in vitro assays to understand neuromuscular biology.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate insights into programs.
• Document, analyze, and present data to internal teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Innovation

Model development

Assay execution

Lab bench work

Muscle biology

Data management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD with 15+ years

MS with 20+ years

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to join the US Neuromuscular group based in Cambridge, MA and help drive translational biology drug discovery efforts with an emphasis on muscle biology. This is an opportunity for a scientific leader to advance portfolio projects and lead from the bench—exploring new biology and directly shaping the design, development, and execution of in vitro and in vivo models as well as cellular and biochemical assays for early drug discovery across multiple therapeutic programs and target discovery efforts. The candidate will bring hands‑on scientific leadership to a matrixed team focused on identifying and building knowledge across pathobiological pathways and patient populations, including neuromuscular diseases related to nucleotide repeat expansions, genetic mutations, muscle atrophy, mitochondrial/lysosomal dysfunction, or inflammation.

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: Lead the design of cell‑based assays to assess therapeutic candidates or validate new gene‑editing targets.
• Lab bench work: Maintain a minimum 30% hands‑on laboratory contribution to support assay execution, model development, and experimental troubleshooting across neuromuscular translational biology programs.
• Muscle biology: Drive the design and execution of in vivo and in vitro assays 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 15+ years or MS Degree with 20+ years in drug discovery, biology, cellular biology, bioengineering or related field.

Competencies

• Proven ability to lead projects, supervise and mentor scientists
• 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.
• Knowledge in mitochondrial biology is a plus

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. UCB invites you to voluntarily self‑identify during the application process. Provision of self‑identification information is entirely voluntary and a decision to provide or not provide such information will not have any effect on your application for employment, your employment with UCB, or otherwise subject you to any adverse treatment. Any information you provide will be considered confidential and will be kept separate from your application and/or personnel file and will only be used in accordance with applicable laws, orders, and regulations.

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.