Principal Scientist - Translational Muscle Biology

Make your mark for patients

We are seeking an exceptional 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 projects, exploring new biology, designing, characterizing and deploying 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.

• 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
  :
  Conduct cell-based functional assays to characterize therapeutic hits or validate new targets that could require gene editing.
• Muscle biology
  :
  Perform 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.

• PhD with 12+ years or MS Degree with 18+ years in drug discovery, biology, cellular biology, bioengineering or related field.

• 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
• Proven ability to lead projects, supervise and mentor scientists is a plus
• Knowledge in mitochondrial biology is a plus

Base Salary Range: $137,600 to $180,600

Internal applicants should be in their current job for at least 12 months, must meet performance standards and are not on formal corrective/disciplinary process (PIP), warning, final warning, or compliance warning letters within the last 12 months. Please inform your Manager or your Talent Partner before applying to any internal job opportunities.

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, this role is hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office, irrespective of your current contractual agreement. Should your current working arrangements differ, please contact your Talent Partner to discuss, before submitting your application.

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 EMEA-Rea . Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.