Research Senior Scientist

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Job Description

Objective / Purpose: 

You will report to the Director, Target Validation Sciences and play a leading role within the Assay Hub team responsible for generating human disease-relevant evidence that drives target validation and portfolio decisions across therapeutic areas. You will design and implement innovative experimental strategies using advanced disease model platforms, including organoids, microphysiological systems, and organ-on-chip technologies, to address complex biological questions. Working across therapeutic area, automation, computational, and data science teams, you will provide scientific leadership, identify and implement novel approaches, and influence research decisions through the generation and integration of high-quality mechanistic data.

Accountabilities: 

• Lead the design and implementation of innovative target validation strategies using advanced human disease-relevant model systems, including organoids, microphysiological systems, and organ-on-chip platforms.
• Identify, develop, and champion novel assay technologies and experimental approaches that address critical target validation challenges across therapeutic areas.
• Independently lead complex scientific programs and integrate diverse biological datasets to generate mechanistic insights and support portfolio decisions.
• Serve as a scientific expert in advanced disease modeling and provide strategic guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Drive assay standardization, platform evolution, technology transfer, and automation-readiness in partnership with engineering and automation teams.
• Collaborate with Computational Sciences and Data Science teams to establish advanced analytical approaches that enhance data interpretation and decision making.
• Influence target evaluation, experimental prioritization, and scientific direction through effective communication of complex datasets and mechanistic findings.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical leadership within matrixed project teams.
• Identify emerging technologies, NAMs methodologies, and AI-enabled scientific approaches that can advance the capabilities of the Assay Hub and Target Validation Sciences organization.
• Represent the function through publications, presentations, scientific collaborations, and external engagements when appropriate

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral

Education:

• Expected: PhD degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline with 2+ years of postdoctoral and/or relevant industry experience; or 
• MS with 8+ years experience, or 
• BS with 10+ years experience.

Compentencies:

• Technical / Functional Expertise
• Recognized scientific resource in disease biology, target validation, and advanced disease-relevant model systems, including organoids, microphysiological systems, and organ-on-chip technologies.
• Demonstrates expertise in leading experimental strategies, assay innovation, and interpretation of complex biological datasets to support research decisions.
• Applies deep understanding of assay robustness, scalability, automation-readiness, and translational relevance. 
• Leadership
• Leads novel scientific programs and experimental strategies that address complex target validation challenges and influence portfolio decisions. 
• Provides technical leadership and mentorship within multidisciplinary and matrixed project teams. 
• Drives adoption of innovative technologies and approaches that enhance Assay Hub and Target Validation Sciences capabilities.
• Decision-Making & Autonomy
• Operates with a high degree of scientific independence and accountability for experimental strategy and project outcomes.
• Interprets complex multidisciplinary datasets and provides recommendations that influence scientific direction and business decisions.
• Contributes to functional objective setting, prioritization, and strategic planning.