Scientist, Pre-Clinical Biomarkers and Translational Research

Job Summary

In the role of Scientist, Preclinical Biomarkers and Translational Research, you will advance novel biologic programs from pre-clinical to clinical development. You will partner with Biology, Toxicology, and other teams to translate biological questions into biomarker strategies, design hypothesis-driven studies, develop fit-for-purpose assays, analyze preclinical samples, and interpret results in the context of TGF-beta superfamily biology, mechanism of action, PK/PD, efficacy, and safety.

Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams to define biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, efficacy, disease biology, and potential safety findings.
• Generate scientific hypotheses and design, execute, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies to clarify mechanism of action and support program decisions.
• Develop, optimize, qualify, and troubleshoot biomarker assays (ELISA/MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, multicolor flow cytometry, cell-based assays).
• Perform hands-on analysis of serum, plasma, tissue, and cellular samples (tissue processing, dissociation, primary cell isolation, ex vivo functional analyses).
• Evaluate assay reagents/kits/approaches; develop custom methods; ensure performance, reproducibility, data integrity, and documentation.
• Present study designs and results; contribute to reports, technical documents, publications, and patent-related activities.

Core Competencies (Required Skills)

• Hypothesis generation, experimental design, assay troubleshooting, and critical data interpretation.
• Understanding of TGF-β superfamily biology and signaling in disease.
• Hands-on in vivo model and preclinical sample analysis.
• Technical expertise (ELISA, MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, mammalian cell culture) and biomarker assay development/optimization.
• Quantitative data analysis/visualization (GraphPad Prism, FlowJo or comparable).
• Collaboration, communication, documentation, and data presentation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience supporting biologic drug-discovery and/or TGF-beta pathway biomarker studies.
• MSD/Luminex multiplex assays; primary cells/ex vivo assays; gene perturbation; novel disease-model development.

Education Requirements

Ph.D. (molecular/cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, pharmacology, biochemistry/biotechnology or related) with 2+ years relevant industry/postdoc experience; or Master’s with 10+ years relevant industry experience.