Sr. Research Scientist – CNS Neurology Endpoints

Position Summary

The Sr. Translational Research Scientist is accountable for the identification and translational endpoint strategy for CNS Neurology projects. Specifically, the employee will be responsible for developing cross-functional program-level strategies to identify novel fluid, digital, imaging, and/or technology-related endpoints for use in preclinical and early-stage clinical neurology programs, enabling conclusive and efficient go/no go decisions and/or patient stratification strategies. The role will entail demonstrating proof of concept for potential endpoints in nonclinical in-vitro, ex-vivo or in-vivo studies; evaluating new endpoints or patient stratification strategies using available clinical data sets and/or patient samples; identification and collaboration with academics and companies to gain access to endpoint technologies; and implementation in clinical studies via cross functional collaboration within CNS Neurology program teams as well as the Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Clinical Development functions. The successful candidate will interface within the research, clinical and program teams to provide scientific expertise to guide strategic decision making for existing and future CNS and neurology programs. The position will report to the Head of Research.

Key Responsibilities Include

• 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.
• Identify and champion investment in endpoint partnerships with academic or corporate entities that can provide sensitive clinical endpoints enabling early decision making in conclusive, efficient clinical proof of concept studies in neurological disorders.
• Design and execute preclinical studies to validate potential translational endpoints.
• Develop and implement biomarker strategies for neurologic diseases to allow for subject selection, recruitment and early go/no go decision making.
• Act as a primary neurology endpoint strategy SME supporting fluid, digital or other exploratory endpoint strategy for CNS neurology programs.
• Contribute to the design and execution of clinical studies in close collaboration with program teams and the Translational Clinical Development and Clinical Pharmacology functions.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between the Research and Clinical Development functions to transition research stage assets to clinical development.
• Ensure awareness of trends and emerging technology in the field of neurology endpoints through external assessment.
• Contribute to drafting manuscripts, reports and other publications and presentations.
• Provide support for advisory boards, consultant meetings, and investigator meetings including preparation and/or delivery of presentations.
• Cultivate relationships with external partners such as preclinical and clinical investigators, clinicians, and scientists in support of endpoint innovation and/or business development.
  
  

Education, Registration & Certification

• PhD, PharmD, MD in related life science discipline, with 5 years of relevant translational development neurology experience.
  
  

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 matrix organization with constructive influential skills and ability to drive functional excellence.
• 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 disperse 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, incl. willingness to work independently without significant support.
• Independent individual with high integrity & courage.
• Be a champion of collaboration in high performing teams.
• Highly motivated with the ability to be flexible in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Physical Demands And Work Environment

• Position may include wet lab and/or vivarium work.
  
  

Travel Requirements

• Willing to travel ~10% of the time to conferences and external collaboration sites.
  
  

Benefits And Perks

Apellis offers a great benefit package which includes: health insurance with full premium coverage, 401K with company match, paid time off (PTO), long- term disability insurance, life insurance and more! Visit https://apellis.com/careers/ to learn more.

Company Background

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway, we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

For more information, please visit http://apellis.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

EEO Statement

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, smoker/nonsmoker, and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

For San Francisco postings: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.