Sr. Principal Scientist - Translational Muscle Biology

Make your mark for patients

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Principal Scientist to join UCB’s US Neuromuscular group based in Cambridge, MA and contribute to translational biology drug discovery efforts with an emphasis on muscle biology. The candidate will be responsible for leading portfolio projects, exploring new biology, and designing in vitro or in vivo models and other cellular/biochemical assays to be utilized in early drug discovery for multiple therapeutic programs and target discovery efforts. Collaborate in a matrixed team of scientists responsible for identification and knowledge building across pathobiological pathways and patient populations including those in neuromuscular disease related to nucleotide repeat expansions, genetic mutations, muscle atrophy, mitochondrial/lysosomal dysfunction or inflammation.

Responsibilities:

• Team leadership: Supervise and mentor junior scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Project management: Oversee multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and effective resource allocation.
• Innovation: Identify and implement new technologies and methodologies to advance muscle cell biology and translational research.
• Model Development: Design, characterize and validate primary cell or stem cell/3D models for therapeutic programs.
• Assay Execution: Lead the design of cell-based assays to assess therapeutic candidates or validate new gene-editing targets.
• Muscle biology: Drive the design and execution of in vivo and in vitro assays to enhance understanding of neuromuscular disease biology.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate translational biology insights into therapeutic programs or new target proposals.
• Data Management: Document, analyze, and present data to internal teams.

Requirements:

• PhD with 15+ years or MS Degree with 20+ years in drug discovery, biology, cellular biology, bioengineering or related field.

Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead projects, supervise and mentor scientists
• Deep knowledge in 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, molecular and biochemical assays.
• Strong attention to detail, and enthusiasm for learning.
• Knowledge in mitochondrial biology is a plus

Base Salary Range:

$168,000 to $220,500

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About Us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [email protected]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.