Principal Scientist - Translational Biology & Program Leadership

Principal Scientist – Translational Biology & Program Leadership

Location: Natick, MA

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic and scientifically driven Principal Scientist with strong expertise in translational immunology, ex vivo biology, and therapeutic program leadership to lead cross-functional drug discovery initiatives across oncology, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease programs.

The successful candidate will play program leadership role in advancing innovative biologics programs from target validation through IND-enabling studies. This individual will integrate translational biology, mechanistic pharmacology, and clinically relevant human assay platforms to guide candidate selection, drive program strategy, and enable data-driven decision making.

In addition to technical expertise in ex vivo immune assays and complex 3D model systems, the ideal candidate will possess demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary discovery teams, coordinating program activities across functions, and influencing strategic direction in a fast‑paced biotechnology environment.

This role is highly collaborative and will interface closely with protein engineering, in vivo pharmacology, translational sciences, clinical strategy, bioanalytics, and CMC teams to ensure successful progression of therapeutic candidates toward development milestones.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for biologics discovery programs across oncology, immunology, and autoimmune therapeutic areas.
• Lead and coordinate cross‑functional teams to advance 1–2 therapeutic programs from early discovery through candidate selection and IND‑enabling studies.
• Drive program strategy, timelines, milestone planning, and data integration to support portfolio decision‑making and development progression.
• Design and oversee complex ex vivo immune assays using human PBMCs, tumor digests, and tissue‑derived immune cells to evaluate mechanisms of action, efficacy, and pharmacodynamic activity.
• Collaborate closely with antibody engineering, protein sciences, in vivo pharmacology, translational medicine, and biomarker teams to align scientific strategy and experimental execution.
• Lead mechanism‑of‑action and translational studies for T cell engagers, bispecifics, multispecific antibodies, ADCs, cytokine‑based therapeutics, and other immunomodulatory modalities.
• Drive scientific innovation by introducing clinically relevant human model systems and emerging technologies to improve translational predictability.
• Present program updates, strategic recommendations, and key data packages to senior leadership, governance committees, and external collaborators.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building a high‑performing, collaborative scientific culture.
• Support preparation of regulatory documentation, scientific publications, patents, and IND‑related material

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, or related discipline with 6+ years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional therapeutic programs from discovery through IND‑enabling stages.
• Strong background in translational immunology, ex vivo human assay systems, and mechanistic pharmacology.
• Proven expertise in primary immune cell biology, ex vivo immune functional assays, and human tissue‑based translational models.
• Deep understanding of tumor immunology, T cell biology, myeloid biology, and tumor microenvironment interactions.
• Experience leading biologics modalities including T cell engagers, bispecifics, multispecifics, ADCs, cytokine therapeutics, or related platforms.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence scientific strategy and effectively operate within matrixed discovery organizations.
• Experience mentoring scientists and managing collaborative research initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience serving as biology lead, translational lead, or program lead within a drug discovery organization.
• Experience contributing to IND‑enabling studies, translational biomarker strategies, and early clinical planning.
• Proficiency with flow cytometry, high‑content imaging, cytokine profiling platforms, and translational data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with FlowJo, Incucyte, Prism, and multiplex immune profiling technologies.
• Track record of scientific publications, patents, and external presentations in immunology or therapeutic discovery.
• Experience working with external collaborators, CROs, or strategic partners in support of discovery and development programs

Pay Range

The anticipated pay range for this position is $95,000 - $155,000

WuXi Biologics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability