Director, Translational Science (Neurology)
About The Position
The Director of Translational Science is a scientifically driven leader who contributes to and drives the execution of integrated translational strategies across neurology programs spanning discovery through early clinical development. This role focuses on enabling data-driven decision-making by linking disease biology, biomarkers, and clinical outcomes. This position is designed to complement existing expertise in Alzheimer’s disease by bringing deep knowledge in non-Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, primary tauopathies, and sleep-related neurobiology. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific insight with hands-on engagement in biomarker strategy, data interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Requirements
- PhD, MD, or equivalent in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related field
- ~8–10 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical/biotechnology drug development
- Strong expertise in translational science and biomarker development
- Demonstrated experience supporting translational aspects of clinical programs
- Hands-on experience with biomarkers (fluid, imaging, and/or digital)
- Strong ability to interpret complex biological and clinical data and translate into actionable insights
- Proven ability to collaborate and influence within cross-functional teams
- Scientific curiosity, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset
- Excellent communication skills and ability to distill complex concepts for diverse audiences
Nice To Haves
- Deep expertise in one or more non-Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative diseases, including: Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, Primary tauopathies (e.g., PSP, CBD)
- Experience with disease-relevant biomarkers (e.g., α-synuclein, tau, sleep/circadian measures) strongly preferred
- Familiarity with clinical endpoints and disease progression in relevant indications
Responsibilities
- Contribute to and drive execution of translational strategies across neurology programs
- Design and implement multi-modal biomarker approaches (e.g., biofluid, imaging, digital biomarkers)
- Help define data-driven decision frameworks in collaboration with translational and clinical leadership
- Translate emerging disease biology into testable clinical hypotheses and biomarker strategies
- Lead translational components of programs from study design through data analysis and interpretation
- Interpret and contextualize biomarker and clinical data to inform program decisions and development strategy
- Partner with Clinical, Clinical Pharmacology, and Biostatistics teams to support trial design, dose strategy, and endpoint selection
- Bridge preclinical findings and clinical development through mechanistic and disease-relevant insights
- Contribute to development and implementation of biomarker strategies supporting clinical trials
- Work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure robust biomarker performance and data quality
- Collaborate with data scientists to integrate datasets and deliver actionable insights from complex, multimodal data
- Serve as a key translational representative on cross-functional program teams
- Influence program direction through scientific insight and data-driven recommendations
- Act as a scientific thought partner within the team and contribute to capability building
- Present findings internally and externally; contribute to scientific publications and congress presentations
- May mentor junior scientists or contribute to development of team expertise
- Engage with academic and industry experts to stay at the forefront of emerging science in neurodegenerative diseases
- Apply innovative approaches (e.g., omics, AI/ML, digital biomarkers) to better understand disease heterogeneity and progression
- Integrate multimodal data to refine disease models, patient stratification approaches, and biomarker strategies
- Contribute to translational aspects of regulatory documents and submissions (e.g., protocols, investigator brochures, briefing materials)
- Partner with senior leaders to support Health Authority interactions and strategy
- Support development of companion diagnostic and biomarker qualification strategies
Benefits
- Eisai Inc. Annual Incentive Plan
- Eisai Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan
- Company employee benefit programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
