Principal Research Scientist, Neuromuscular and Muscle Disorders
Biogen•Cambridge, MA
•$142,000 - $190,000
About The Position
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join Biogen’s Neurology Research unit and drive the development of therapeutics for neuromuscular disorders. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in muscle biology, strong scientific leadership, and the ability to lead and prioritize multiple programs in a highly collaborative, matrixed environment. The candidate will serve as the scientific lead for multiple programs, provide strategic and technical direction, and lead a team of scientists to deliver key research objectives.
Requirements
- PhD with 5+ years of experience in drug discovery, muscle biology, physiology, or a related field.
- Deep expertise in muscle biology, disease pathophysiology, and translational research, with a strong understanding of preclinical drug discovery and development.
- Demonstrated hands-on laboratory expertise and willingness to maintain an active laboratory presence (approximately 30% effort), including experience designing, executing, troubleshooting, and interpreting complex in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Experience with in vivo muscle function assessments, including evoked force measurements, treadmill testing, and other functional endpoints relevant to neuromuscular diseases.
- Strong background in assay development, translational biomarkers, and drug discovery research supporting candidate nomination and development decisions.
- Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary research programs, setting scientific strategy, driving execution, and delivering project milestones in a matrixed environment.
- Experience presenting scientific data, recommendations, and program strategy to governance committees, portfolio review teams, and senior leadership, with the ability to influence key decision-making.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively engage cross-functional partners across research, translational sciences, development, and business functions.
- Record of scientific achievement demonstrated through publications in high-impact journals, conference presentations, patents, and/or other external recognition.
- High level of scientific rigor, strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and passion for advancing therapies for neuromuscular diseases.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in muscle biology and or drug development highly preferred.
- Hands on experience with gene-based or RNA-based therapeutics, including LNP/mRNA, ASO or siRNA approaches, is a plus.
- Experience with small‑molecule drug discovery and development, including target validation, hit identification, lead optimization, and preclinical characterization.
- Demonstrated ability to design and interpret pharmacology, PK/PD, and efficacy studies to support programs.
Responsibilities
- Serve as program leader and key organizational point of contact.
- Lead multiple exploratory through pre-IND programs, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and effective resource allocation across cross functional teams.
- Identify and explore new targets and biological pathways, incorporating emerging technologies and experimental platforms.
- Design, develop, characterize, and validate iPSC‑derived and primary human skeletal and cardiac 2D and 3D disease models to support therapeutic programs.
- Characterize neuromuscular and skeletal muscle phenotypes in mouse models, including in vivo and ex vivo muscle force and neuromuscular junction assays.
- Supervise and mentor junior scientists in the design and execution of in vitro assays and in vivo characterization studies.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for internal decision‑making and external due diligence efforts.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
- Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
- Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
- A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
- Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
- 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
- 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
- Employee Resource Groups participation
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
