Principal Scientist, Biomarker Development

Biomarker Strategy & Scientific Leadership

• Develop and lead biomarker strategies for neuromuscular preclinical programs, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Serve as a biomarker and translational science subject matter expert on cross-functional program teams, providing scientific guidance on biomarker selection, implementation, and interpretation.
• Integrate biological hypotheses and mechanism of action into fit-for-purpose biomarker approaches that inform target engagement, pharmacodynamic response, and disease progression.
• Identify scientific and technical opportunities, risks, and gaps within program biomarker plans and develop strategies to address them.

Biomarker Development & Execution

• Identify and manage CRO’s, design and execute rodent pharmacology studies to enable translation of PK/PD/efficacy to the clinic. 
• Lead the design, development, qualification, and implementation of fit-for-purpose biomarker assays across relevant matrices including fluid, tissue, imaging, molecular, and cellular biomarkers.
• Maintain an active laboratory presence, personally designing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments to develop and evaluate biomarker assays, as needed.
• Collaborate closely with Discovery, Bioanalytical, and Clinical Pharmacology to translate mechanistic findings and preclinical biomarker hypotheses into clinically feasible and informative approaches.
• Critically analyze and integrate complex biomarker datasets, clearly communicating conclusions, limitations, and implications for program decision-making.
• Maintain awareness of emerging biomarker technologies and scientific advances relevant to the portfolio.

Candidate Requirements

• PhD in skeletal muscle biology, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in biotech/pharma R&D, preferably in neuromuscular disease, with a strong track record in biomarker discovery and development.
• Experience implementing biomarker strategies that support drug discovery and preclinical drug development.
• Deep expertise in one or more biomarker disciplines with working knowledge across relevant technologies such as immunoassays, bioinformatics, imaging, flow cytometry, and molecular assays.
• Experience providing managerial and scientific oversight of CROs, external laboratories, technology vendors, and/or academic collaborators.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive complex scientific initiatives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Passion for rare disease research and a commitment to translating rigorous science into meaningful benefits for patients.