Principal Scientist, Ophthalmology ResearchPurpose & Scope The Principal Scientist, Ophthalmology Research is a scientific leader responsible for designing, executing, and interpreting in vivo ophthalmology research to advance therapeutic programs from discovery through candidate nomination and early development. The incumbent will generate high-quality data that inform strategic program decisions while serving as a key contributor within cross-functional and external collaborations. This is a hands-on laboratory role requiring the scientist to lead from the bench, while mentoring/managing a small team of junior colleagues and fostering a highly collaborative and inclusive broader team environment.
Role and Responsibilities - Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate therapeutic candidates across ophthalmology indications and therapeutic modalities.
- Lead from the bench by personally contributing to the execution of in vivo studies while providing technical and scientific leadership to project teams.
- Develop and test hypotheses through integration of available in vitro and in vivo data, generating insights that inform program strategy, candidate selection, and go/no-go decisions.
- Lead and coordinate interdisciplinary research efforts, including collaborations with internal stakeholders, external partners, and contract research organizations, to ensure high-quality and timely execution of studies.
- Design and implement translational research strategies that advance understanding of disease biology, mechanism of action, pharmacology, and therapeutic efficacy.
- Contribute to the generation of preclinical data packages supporting internal program milestones and regulatory submissions to health authorities.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and scientifically rigorous working environment by building strong cross-functional relationships, openly sharing knowledge, mentoring colleagues, and contributing positively to team culture.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and effectively communicate scientific findings internally through presentations, reports, and cross-functional discussions.
- Remain current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and advances in ophthalmology and drug discovery to identify new opportunities and approaches.
Required Qualifications - PhD in Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry research experience.
- Deep expertise in ophthalmic research, including retinal/ocular disease biology, and a strong track record of advancing scientific programs.
- Significant hands-on experience designing, conducting, and interpreting in vivo ophthalmology studies to support drug discovery, translational research, and/or early development.
- Experience evaluating one or more therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, gene therapies, cell therapies, or RNA-based therapeutics.
- Strong technical expertise in ocular imaging, visual function testing, and histological evaluation of ocular tissues; this includes techniques such as OCT, fundus imaging, ERG, vision-dependent behavior assays (e.g. optomotor response), and retinal histology/histopathology.
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop study strategies, solve complex scientific problems, and translate data into actionable program recommendations and go/no-go decisions.
- Proven experience leading scientific programs in a matrixed environment through both direct experimental contributions and scientific leadership.
- Demonstrated scientific achievement through publications, patents, therapeutic program advancement, or contributions to successful drug discovery and development efforts.
- Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, with a track record of building productive relationships across functions, mentoring colleagues, and positively contributing to team culture.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across scientific disciplines and organizational levels.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience serving as a scientific or project leader within multidisciplinary drug discovery teams and mentoring or developing junior scientists (e.g. through managerial experience).
- Experience with intraocular dosing techniques in rodents (e.g. subretinal injection, intravitreal injection, etc.)
- Industry experience advancing ophthalmology therapeutics through drug discovery, translational research, and/or early development.
- Experience generating pharmacology data packages that support regulatory submissions to health authorities (e.g. IND, pre-IND, INTERACT, Type D, etc.).
- Experience with safety evaluation of ocular therapeutics, including structural and functional analyses.
Location and Working Environment- This position is based in Westborough, MA and requires on-site work.
- The incumbent is expected to lead from the bench through active participation in experimental design, study execution, data analysis, and scientific leadership.
- The role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders in a highly collaborative research environment.
Salary Range$145,460-207,800 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations.)
Benefits:- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
- 401(k) match and annual company contribution
- Company paid life insurance
- Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
- Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
- Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
- Referral bonus program
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