Principal Scientist, Pharmacology & Immunology

Location: Boston office, hybrid

About the Role

DeepCure is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated Principal Scientist, Pharmacology & Immunology to join our growing Boston-based team. In this role, you will serve as a scientific leader driving early-stage drug discovery programs with a strong emphasis on immunology-driven biology and pharmacology, from target validation through IND-enabling stages.

You will work at the intersection of biology, pharmacology, and AI, partnering closely with discovery scientists, computational teams, and external collaborators. This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to directly shape DeepCure’s scientific strategy, portfolio, and translational approach.

More about DeepCure

DeepCure is an AI-driven drug discovery company, founded by researchers from the MIT Media Lab, and focused on transforming how medicines are discovered and developed. By combining advanced computational platforms with deep biological and chemical expertise, DeepCure aims to deliver differentiated therapeutic candidates faster and more efficiently. As a small, highly collaborative biotech, we value scientific rigor, creativity, and adaptability.

In This Role You Will

• Serve as Program Lead for one or more early-stage drug discovery programs, driving efforts from target validation and early lead stages through IND.
• Provide scientific leadership at the interface of immunology, pharmacology, and translational biology, ensuring robust biological and pharmacological validation strategies.
• Work closely with Discovery leadership to help build, expand, and prioritize DeepCure’s therapeutic portfolio.
• Represent pharmacology and immunology on cross-functional program teams, including chemistry, AI, translational science, and external collaborators.
• Design and implement in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, with particular emphasis on immunology-relevant systems and disease biology.
• Oversee and manage work conducted by CROs, ensuring scientific rigor, timely execution, and alignment with program goals.
• Contribute to the adoption and integration of AI-driven insights, automation, and data-centric approaches into discovery and validation workflows.
• Mentor and support junior scientists, contributing to the growth of internal scientific capabilities and a strong collaborative culture.
• Engage with key opinion leaders and external partners in academia and industry to advance DeepCure’s programs and scientific visibility.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively to cross-disciplinary audiences, including non-experts.

Salary

Annual Base Salary Range: $170,000 – $210,000

We approach compensation by targeting the upper end of each candidate’s market value. Accordingly, the base salary for this role will be determined based on your experience and the scope of responsibilities assigned, within the posted range.

Your salary is rounded up by a generous stock option grant and a Benefit package that prioritizes your and your dependents' needs.

Benefits

For the right candidate, we offer a competitive salary, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Flexible hybrid work model and flexible work hours
• Unlimited paid leave and sick time
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employer contributions to a health spending account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employer coverage of public transportation expenses or parking
• A vibrant, collaborative office environment in the heart of Boston

“We believe that the best solutions come from diverse perspectives. Our open environment promotes teamwork and cross-functional collaboration. Everyone’s voice is heard, and we celebrate the unique contributions of each team member.” (DeepCure Discovery Team Member)

Most importantly, you’ll have a huge impact, do important work, and collaborate with a team of people you’ll genuinely enjoy working with.

DeepCure is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. We base employment decisions solely on business needs, job requirements, and qualifications. We do not tolerate discrimination or bias of any kind and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all teammates.

REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Immunology, or a related discipline, with 8–10+ years of relevant experience, including significant industry experience in drug discovery; or M.Sc. with extensive industry experience and demonstrated leadership in discovery programs.
• Deep expertise in immunology, with a strong publication record and presentations at recognized scientific conferences.
• Demonstrated experience leading immunology-driven drug discovery programs, preferably from target validation through clinical candidate nomination.
• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology, with hands-on experience in relevant experimental systems.
• Solid understanding of pharmacology principles as applied to early drug discovery and translational decision-making.
• Experience with small-molecule phenotypic screening and/or mechanism-based assays.
• Deep knowledge of existing and emerging model systems (in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo), particularly in immune-related disease contexts.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive experience managing and collaborating with CROs.
• Strong appreciation for the use of large, complex datasets to guide discovery and development decisions.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and scientific documentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment and readily adopt new technologies and ways of thinking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful advancement of a program from target validation to clinical candidate nomination.
• Experience working in a biotech environment that leverages internal AI or computational platforms to support discovery programs.
• Prior experience in small to mid-sized biotechnology companies.