Clinical Scientist 2, Clinical Development

Xenon Pharmaceuticals•Needham, MA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Xenon Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team. We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we anticipate submitting a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting. We continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates, including Phase 1 studies for XEN1701 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7), which are important pain targets. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations. We are seeking a Clinical Scientist 2, Clinical Development, to join our Clinical Development team. This role is intended for an experienced clinical scientist who can independently contribute to the design, execution, analysis, interpretation, and communication of clinical development activities across assigned programs. The clinical scientist will provide scientific leadership at the study level, contribute meaningfully to program strategy, and serve as a key partner to cross-functional teams to ensure that clinical development plans, study designs, and data packages are scientifically rigorous, operationally feasible, and aligned with evolving regulatory expectations. This position reports to the Senior Medical Director, Clinical Development, and will be based out of Boston, MA, USA in our Needham office. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience. This is a Hybrid position requiring a minimum of two onsite days per week.

Requirements

MSc or PhD degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology or other professional doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences or a related scientific discipline.
A Scientist 2 will have at least 2-5 years of post-doctoral experience and/or relevant industry experience, preferably in neurosciences.
Experience in clinical research and clinical development with a strong understanding of study design, study conduct, clinical data review, and interpretation.
Experience drafting, reviewing, or supporting clinical and regulatory documentation and working effectively in cross-functional teams.
Working knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory expectations, including familiarity with FDA and EMA environments.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to scientific and operational audiences.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in neuroscience, CNS, psychiatry, neurology, or related therapeutic areas is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex scientific information, generate sound recommendations, and solve problems in a dynamic development environment.
Experience working with investigators, CROs, vendors, and external scientific experts is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide scientific leadership and independent contribution to study design, protocol development, endpoint strategy, and clinical development planning for assigned programs.
Support the development, implementation, conduct, oversight, and reporting of clinical trials, ensuring scientific quality and alignment with program objectives.
Perform comprehensive literature reviews and maintain current knowledge of disease areas, competitive landscape, emerging science, and regulatory developments relevant to assigned products and indications.
Participate in the review, monitoring, summarization, and interpretation of safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetic, patient-reported outcome, and other clinical data to support development decisions and recommendations.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Clinical Operations, Biometrics/Biostatistics, Data Management, Pharmacovigilance, Medical Writing, Regulatory, Translational Development, Medical Affairs, and other partners to support high-quality study execution and documentation.
Draft, review, and contribute to clinical and regulatory documents, including study protocols, synopses, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, health authority submission content, briefing materials, abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
Support or lead scientific interactions with CROs, investigators, site personnel, and external collaborators to ensure consistency, scientific integrity, and effective study execution.
Contribute to investigator identification, site feasibility, study start-up, and scientific training activities for study teams, CROs, investigators, and site personnel.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with external scientific experts, key opinion leaders, and the broader medical community in alignment with development goals.
Provide critical evaluation of development strategies, identify scientific and operational risks, and help develop contingency and mitigation plans.
Contribute to advisory boards, expert meetings, and other scientific interactions that support program development and evidence generation.
Support the development of departmental processes, templates, standard operating procedures, and best practices as needed.
Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines linked with departmental activities.
Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any.
Other duties as assigned.