Scientist, Neuroscience discovery

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group is an innovation-driven pharmaceutical company committed to "For patience, for life." Our core therapeutic areas include oncology, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and autoimmune diseases. We are continuously expanding into areas with significant unmet medical needs. Our Cambridge, MA site is dedicated to cutting-edge research aligned with the company strategic directions. The Role We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist who is excited by scientific discovery, enjoys tackling unanswered questions, and is motivated to translate biological insights into new therapeutic opportunities. The CNS team at Simcere Pharmaceutical Group is a highly collaborative, and rapidly growing group focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in pain biology and will independently contribute to drug discovery programs from target validation and assay development. This position is laboratory-focused and is ideal for a scientist who enjoys designing experiments, developing models, generating high-quality data, and using those data to drive program decisions. Key Responsibilities Independently lead and support drug discovery programs based on in-depth knowledge of pain and chronic pain biology. Design and execute experiments to investigate mechanisms of pain and validate novel therapeutic targets. Develop, establish, and optimize in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pain models and pharmacological assays. Perform aseptic mammalian cell culture, including established cell lines, primary DRG sensory neuron cultures, and DRG explant cultures. Design and execute PK/PD and in vivo pharmacology studies, including animal dosing, tissue collection, processing, and downstream analysis. Perform molecular, cellular, and histological assays including ELISA, MSD, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Develop and optimize fit-for-purpose assays to answer key biological and program-specific questions. Analyze and interpret experimental data and integrate findings across cellular, molecular, and in vivo studies. Consistently generate high-quality, reproducible, and decision-enabling data while maintaining strong laboratory productivity. Maintain accurate experimental documentation and contribute to study reports and program documentation. Clearly communicate experimental results, scientific rationale, conclusions, and recommendations to project teams. Qualifications Required PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline. (Alternatively, a Master's degree with 4+ years of relevant industry or research experience, preferably in pharma/biotech). Strong scientific expertise in pain biology, sensory neuroscience, or peripheral nervous system biology. Hands-on experience with primary DRG sensory neuron culture, including adult mouse DRG neurons or DRG explant preparations. Experience with tissue collection and processing from CNS and PNS tissues, particularly DRG, spinal cord, and brain. Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques such as ELISA, MSD, Western blot, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and related quantitative assays. Demonstrated experience developing and applying disease models, pharmacological assays, or target-validation approaches. Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently in the laboratory and successfully manage multiple experiments and priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly present scientific findings to multidisciplinary teams. Preferred Experience designing and conducting in vivo pain pharmacology or PK/PD studies. Proficiency with multiple routes of drug administration, particularly intrathecal (IT), intravenous (IV), and intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration. Experience with behavioral or molecular models of neuropathic, inflammatory, or chronic pain. Experience investigating CNS/PNS drug delivery, biodistribution, target engagement, or pharmacodynamic responses. Previous experience working in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Simcere Pharmaceutical Group