Sr. Research Scientist - CNS Neurology Endpoints

Apellis Uk Limited - Waltham, MA

Full-time - Senior

Waltham, MA

About the position

The Sr. Translational Research Scientist is a pivotal role responsible for the identification and translational endpoint strategy for CNS Neurology projects. This position requires the development of cross-functional program-level strategies aimed at identifying novel fluid, digital, imaging, and technology-related endpoints for use in preclinical and early-stage clinical neurology programs. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in enabling conclusive and efficient go/no-go decisions and patient stratification strategies. In this role, the scientist will demonstrate proof of concept for potential endpoints through nonclinical in-vitro, ex-vivo, or in-vivo studies. They will evaluate new endpoints or patient stratification strategies using available clinical data sets and patient samples. The position also involves identifying and collaborating with academic institutions and companies to gain access to endpoint technologies, and implementing these strategies in clinical studies through cross-functional collaboration within CNS Neurology program teams, as well as with the Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Clinical Development functions. The Sr. Translational Research Scientist will interface with research, clinical, and program teams to provide scientific expertise that guides strategic decision-making for both existing and future CNS and neurology programs. This role is essential for driving deeper understanding of disease and compound mechanistic biology, identifying clinical decision-making exploratory biomarkers and digital health outcomes, and defining precision medicine strategies.

Responsibilities

• Cross-functionally collaborate to drive deeper understanding of disease and compound mechanistic biology.
• Identify clinical decision-making exploratory biomarkers & digital health outcomes, and define precision medicine strategy.
• Champion investment in endpoint partnerships with academic or corporate entities for sensitive clinical endpoints.
• Design and execute preclinical studies to validate potential translational endpoints.
• Develop and implement biomarker strategies for neurologic diseases for subject selection and early decision making.
• Act as a primary neurology endpoint strategy SME supporting exploratory endpoint strategy for CNS neurology programs.
• Contribute to the design and execution of clinical studies in collaboration with program teams.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to transition research stage assets to clinical development.
• Ensure awareness of trends and emerging technology in neurology endpoints through external assessment.
• Contribute to drafting manuscripts, reports, and other publications and presentations.
• Support advisory boards, consultant meetings, and investigator meetings including preparation and delivery of presentations.
• Cultivate relationships with external partners such as preclinical and clinical investigators, clinicians, and scientists.

Requirements

• PhD, PharmD, or MD in a related life science discipline.
• 5 years of relevant translational development neurology experience.
• 3+ years' experience in CNS disease related fluid, digital, imaging or novel endpoint development.
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in liquid and tissue biomarker development and interpretation.
• Proven leadership experience in a matrix organization with constructive influential skills.
• Proven experience in strategic program management and external collaboration to develop novel biomarker endpoints.
• Adept at creating and writing business presentations, including storyboarding.
• Strong people skills and experience leading diverse and geographically dispersed associates.
• Proven success in developing positive relationships with subordinates, team members, and senior management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in a start-up or small company environment preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a start-up or small company environment preferred.
• Willingness to work independently without significant support.

Benefits

• Health insurance with full premium coverage
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Additional benefits as mentioned on the company website