Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Cambridge, MA is seeking a highly motivated PhD-level researcher to join their Neuroscience Discovery Team. This role focuses on advancing large molecule therapeutics for CNS disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in drug discovery and a strong background in neuroscience, aiming to lead impactful research in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Demonstrated proficiency in neurodegenerative disease biology.
• Solid understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead target discovery efforts for neurodegenerative diseases.
• Design and execute in vitro and/or in vivo studies.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data.

Skills

Neurodegenerative disease biology

Molecular biology

Cell culture techniques

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

Biochemistry assays

Microscopy

Job description

Base pay range

$140,000.00/yr - $180,000.00/yr

About Simcere

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group is an innovation-driven pharmaceutical company committed to "For patience, for life." Our core therapeutic areas include oncology, CNS disorders, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. Our Cambridge, MA site is dedicated to cutting-edge research aligned with the company strategic directions.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically rigorous PhD-level researcher to join our dynamic Neuroscience Discovery Team. This role focuses on investigating cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other CNS disorders. The successful candidate will lead and execute translational research to identify disease-relevant targets and advance large molecule therapeutics to achieve preclinical milestones.

The ideal candidate should have experience in large molecule drug discovery for CNS indications, preferentially with expertise in antibody engineering and antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, and with a proven track record of applying these technologies to drug development. This position requires a strategic thinker who can integrate molecular engineering 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 neurodegenerative diseases.
• Design and execute in vitro and/or in vivo studies to validate therapeutic targets and to assess target engagement, mechanism of action, and therapeutic efficacy.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership in the design, and development of novel biologics, including antibodies and/or AOCs, for neurodegenerative indications.
• Leverage advanced cellular models, such as iPSC-derived CNS cell types, to elucidate mechanisms of action and evaluate therapeutic responses.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and ensure scientific rigor across all research activities.
• Stay current with emerging scientific literature and technological advancements, actively contributing to project development, and innovation initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Demonstrated proficiency in neurodegenerative disease biology and with relevant experience in cellular and in vivo models (e.g., iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, microglia; AD/PD animal models).
• Solid understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and cellular pathways.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• A track record of successfully contributing to or leading drug discovery programs.
• Familiarity with cellular function analysis techniques, such as microscopy and biochemical assays.
• Proven expertise in protein/antibody engineering, bioconjugation technologies, and/or AOC development is highly valued.
• Experience with CNS delivery strategies and platform technologies is preferred.
• Expertise in bioinformatics analysis of high-dimensional datasets (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics) is desired.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research