Principal Research Scientist, Neuromuscular and Muscle Disorders

About This Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join Biogen’s Neurology Research unit and drive the development of therapeutics for neuromuscular disorders. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in muscle biology, strong scientific leadership, and the ability to lead and prioritize multiple programs in a highly collaborative, matrixed environment. The candidate will serve as the scientific lead for multiple programs, provide strategic and technical direction, and lead a team of scientists to deliver key research objectives.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as program leader and key organizational point of contact. Lead multiple exploratory through pre-IND programs, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and effective resource allocation across cross functional teams.

• Identify and explore new targets and biological pathways, incorporating emerging technologies and experimental platforms.

• Design, develop, characterize, and validate iPSC‑derived and primary human skeletal and cardiac 2D and 3D disease models to support therapeutic programs.

• Characterize neuromuscular and skeletal muscle phenotypes in mouse models, including in vivo and ex vivo muscle force and neuromuscular junction assays.

• Supervise and mentor junior scientists in the design and execution of in vitro assays and in vivo characterization studies.

• Serve as a subject matter expert for internal decision‑making and external due diligence efforts.

Who You Are

You are passionate about advancing drug discovery and development for neuromuscular disorders. You thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and enjoy translating biology into impactful therapeutic programs. You are a scientific leader who values rigor, mentorship, and cross‑disciplinary teamwork.

Required Skills

• PhD with 5+ years of experience in drug discovery, muscle biology, physiology, or a related field.

• Deep expertise in muscle biology, disease pathophysiology, and translational research, with a strong understanding of preclinical drug discovery and development.

• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory expertise and willingness to maintain an active laboratory presence (approximately 30% effort), including experience designing, executing, troubleshooting, and interpreting complex in vitro and in vivo studies.

• Experience with in vivo muscle function assessments, including evoked force measurements, treadmill testing, and other functional endpoints relevant to neuromuscular diseases.

• Strong background in assay development, translational biomarkers, and drug discovery research supporting candidate nomination and development decisions.

• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary research programs, setting scientific strategy, driving execution, and delivering project milestones in a matrixed environment.

• Experience presenting scientific data, recommendations, and program strategy to governance committees, portfolio review teams, and senior leadership, with the ability to influence key decision-making.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively engage cross-functional partners across research, translational sciences, development, and business functions.

• Record of scientific achievement demonstrated through publications in high-impact journals, conference presentations, patents, and/or other external recognition.

• High level of scientific rigor, strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and passion for advancing therapies for neuromuscular diseases.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in muscle biology and or drug development highly preferred.

• Hands on experience with gene-based or RNA-based therapeutics, including LNP/mRNA, ASO or siRNA approaches, is a plus.

• Experience with small‑molecule drug discovery and development, including target validation, hit identification, lead optimization, and preclinical characterization.

• Demonstrated ability to design and interpret pharmacology, PK/PD, and efficacy studies to support programs.

Why Biogen?

Our mission to find therapies for neurological and rare diseases is a unique focus within our industry and this shared purpose is what connects us as a team. We work together to overcome obstacles and to follow the science. We are resilient as we strive to make an impact on our patients’ lives and on changing the course of medicine. Together, we pioneer. Together, we thrive.

Additional Information

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance. 

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees’ and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
• Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement 
• Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
• A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
• Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance 
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit 
• 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan 
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year 
• Employee Resource Groups participation

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about Biogen.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.