Senior Principal Scientist - Translational Muscle Biology

UCB • Cambridge, MA

46d • Hybrid

About The Position

UCB is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to join its US Neuromuscular group in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The role advances translational biology drug discovery, with an emphasis on muscle biology, across multiple therapeutic programs and target discovery efforts. The scientist will provide hands-on scientific leadership, exploring new biology and shaping the design, development, and execution of in vitro and in vivo models, cellular assays, and biochemical assays for early drug discovery.

The role focuses on identifying and building knowledge of disease pathways and patient populations, including neuromuscular diseases related to nucleotide repeat expansions, genetic mutations, muscle atrophy, mitochondrial or lysosomal dysfunction, and inflammation. It includes supervising and mentoring junior scientists, overseeing projects and resources, developing models and assays, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and documenting, analyzing, and presenting data. A minimum of 30% hands-on laboratory contribution is expected.

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on neurology and immunology, with more than 9,000 employees. The company describes its culture as supportive, inclusive, collaborative, and focused on creating value for patients. UCB has a hybrid-first approach; unless otherwise stated or precluded by the nature of the role, employees spend 40% of their time in the office.

Requirements

• PhD with 15 or more years of experience, or a master's degree with 20 or more years of experience, in drug discovery, biology, cellular biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead projects and supervise and mentor scientists.
• Deep knowledge of muscle biology and translational assays.
• Strong assay development and drug discovery knowledge.
• Strong track record of publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at scientific conferences.
• Deep experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular and biochemical assays.
• Strong attention to detail and enthusiasm for learning.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of mitochondrial biology.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor junior scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Oversee multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and effective resource allocation.
• Identify and implement new technologies and methodologies to advance muscle cell biology and translational research.
• Design, characterize, and validate primary-cell or stem-cell/3D models for therapeutic programs.
• Lead the design of cell-based assays to assess therapeutic candidates or validate new gene-editing targets.
• Contribute at least 30% hands-on laboratory work to support assay execution, model development, and experimental troubleshooting across neuromuscular translational biology programs.
• Drive the design and execution of in vivo and in vitro assays to improve understanding of neuromuscular disease biology.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate translational biology insights into therapeutic programs or new target proposals.
• Document, analyze, and present data to internal teams.

Benefits

• Hybrid-first approach to work, with 40% of time spent in the office unless the role description or nature of the position states otherwise.
• Supportive and inclusive culture with equal opportunities.
• Opportunities to grow and carve out a career path.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree