Associate Director, Translational Science (Neurology)

At Eisai, satisfying unmet medical needs and increasing the benefits healthcare provides to patients, their families, and caregivers is Eisai’s human health care (hhc) mission. We’re a growing pharmaceutical company that is breaking through in neurology and oncology, with a strong emphasis on research and development. Our history includes the development of many innovative medicines, notably the discovery of the world's most widely-used treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. As we continue to expand, we are seeking highly-motivated individuals who want to work in a fast-paced environment and make a difference.  If this is your profile, we want to hear from you.

About Eisai

Eisai is a global pharmaceutical company driven by our human health care (hhc) mission, placing patients and their families at the center of everything we do. We are committed to addressing unmet medical needs through science and innovation. Our approach is grounded in Deep Human Biology Learning (DHBL), integrating multi-modal data, disease biology, and patient insights to enable precision medicine. Within Neurology Translational Research, we apply these principles to develop next-generation therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Translational Science contributes to the design and execution of translational and biomarker strategies supporting neurology programs from discovery through early clinical development. This role bridges preclinical and clinical teams, ensuring the effective implementation and interpretation of biomarkers to inform program decisions.

This position provides an opportunity to develop deep expertise in neurodegenerative disease biology, including non-Alzheimer’s indications such as Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, primary tauopathies, and sleep-related disorders, while working closely with senior translational leaders.

The successful candidate will combine strong scientific training with hands-on involvement in biomarker implementation, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Translational Strategy & Execution

• Contribute to the development and execution of translational and biomarker strategies for neurology programs
• Support implementation of multi-modal biomarker approaches (e.g., biofluid, imaging, digital biomarkers)
• Translate scientific hypotheses into practical biomarker applications within studies

Clinical & Scientific Integration

• Participate as a core translational science representative on cross-functional program teams, contributing to study planning and execution
• Support integration of biomarkers into clinical study design, conduct, and analysis
• Analyze and interpret biomarker and clinical data to support program understanding and decision-making
• Assist in bridging preclinical findings with clinical outcomes

Biomarker Development & Operations

• Work with internal teams and external collaborators to implement fit-for-purpose biomarker assays
• Collaborate with CROs and academic partners to support biomarker sample analysis and data generation
• Help ensure data quality, assay performance, and alignment with study objectives

Collaboration & Scientific Contribution

• Contribute to a collaborative, team-based environment as an active member of translational science within program teams
• Partner closely with clinical, data science, and pharmacology colleagues
• Contribute to protocols, regulatory documents, reports, and scientific publications
• Present data and insights internally and, as appropriate, externally

Learning & Innovation

• Stay current with advances in neurodegenerative disease biology and biomarker technologies
• Contribute to the evaluation of emerging approaches (e.g., omics, digital biomarkers)
• Build expertise in disease-relevant biology and translational methodologies

Qualifications

• PhD, or equivalent in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in translational science, biomarkers, or drug development
• Working knowledge of clinical biomarker development and translational research
• Experience supporting translational aspects of preclinical and/or clinical programs

Preferred Experience

• Background in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases
• Exposure to one or more of the following areas:
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Lewy body dementia
  • Primary tauopathies
  • Sleep/circadian biology in neurodegeneration
• Familiarity with fluid, imaging, or digital biomarkers

Core Capabilities

• Strong ability to analyze and interpret biological data
• Effective collaborator with the ability to work in cross-functional teams
• Clear communicator with strong scientific presentation skills
• High level of curiosity, accountability, and attention to detail

Why Join Us?

You will be part of a collaborative translational science team working at the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research. This role offers the opportunity to build expertise across modalities and disease areas while contributing directly to programs aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Eisai Salary Transparency Language:

Final pay determinations will depend on various factors including but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, and skills.

Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. For additional information on Company employee benefits programs, visit https://careers.eisai.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Certain other benefits may be available for this position, please discuss any questions with your recruiter.

Eisai is an equal opportunity employer and as such, is committed in policy and in practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.  Similarly, considering the need for reasonable accommodations, Eisai prohibits discrimination against persons because of disability, including disabled veterans.

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