WuXi AppTec

Scientific Director

WuXi AppTec • $130K — $180K *
San Diego, CA 92154In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Immunology, Pharmacology, Life Sciences, or relevant field.
  • Fluent in English with strong communication skills.
  • 10 years of hands-on experience in immunology and autoimmune disease research.
  • Expertise in disease-relevant in vitro models for drug discovery.
  • Prior client-facing scientific experience in a CRO, pharma, or biotech.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the SMEs for immunology and autoimmune pharmacology in business development.
  • Act as the main scientific contact for US clients to address their research needs.
  • Collaborate with global teams to stay informed on technical and project advancements.
  • Translate client requirements into tailored proposals and solutions.
  • Deliver high-level scientific presentations and respond to RFPs.
  • Participate in technical discussions to ensure clarity on project feasibility.
  • Provide scientific training to business development teams and attend client meetings.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work at the intersection of science and business development.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge immunology research.
  • Participation in relevant scientific conferences and events.
  • Collaboration with cross-cultural teams.
  • Pathway for influencing the development of innovative scientific solutions.
Full Job Description
Overview

We are looking for an accomplished immunology and autoimmune diseases expert to join our US team as a Scientific Director. This role serves as the scientific bridge between our clients and WuXi Biology global teams. The successful candidate will provide deep scientific expertise to support business development activities, identify new opportunities through scientific discussions, and enhance client engagement by translating complex technical capabilities into tailored solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for in vitro immunology and autoimmune diseases pharmacology, supporting the business development team in identifying and developing new business opportunities.
  • Act as the primary scientific contact for US clients, understanding their research needs and providing expert consultation on immunology or autoimmune disease services.
  • Regularly communicate and collaborate with global technology teams to maintain up-to-date knowledge of platform capabilities, project pipelines, and technical advancements.
  • Translate client requirements into actionable proposals, aligning internal resources and technical solutions with client expectations.
  • Support the preparation and delivery of high-level scientific presentations, proposals, and responses to RFPs.
  • Participate in client meetings, technical discussions, ensuring accurate communication of scientific details and project feasibility.
  • Provide scientific training to BD and join client-facing meetings.
  • Attend and represent the company at relevant scientific conferences and industry events in US.
  • Gather and relay market and client feedback to inform internal platform development and innovation.


Qualifications

  • PhD in Immunology, Pharmacology, Life Sciences, or related discipline.
  • Fluent in English.
  • At least 10 years of hands-on experience in immunology and autoimmune disease research and drug discovery.
  • In-depth knowledge and experience in vitro disease-relevant models, including using human PBMC and whole blood, for autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases research and drug discovery. Have a mindset from in vitro, to in vivo and clinical translation.
  • Prior experience in a scientific advisory, technical support, or client-facing scientific role within a CRO, pharma, or biotech company.
  • Experience working in or with cross-cultural teams, ideally with exposure to both US and Chinese/Asian R&D environments.

Knowledge / Skills / Others:
  • Recognized subject matter expertise in immunology and autoimmune disease in vitro and in vivo models.
  • Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative and consultative approach.
  • High degree of initiative, self-motivation, and adaptability.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
  • Willingness to travel within US and occasionally to China for training and collaboration.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to work in an office environment with minimal noise conditions.
  • Must be able to work in a lab setting with exposure to Animals/, biohazards, / Chemicals
  • Must not have animal allergies to applicable species in this facility
  • Must be able to wear appropriate PPE
  • Must be able to work in an environment with variable noise levels
  • Ability to stand /sit/walk for long periods of time
  • Ability to lift 10 lbs. routinely
  • Ability to crouch, bend, twist, and reach
  • Ability to push/pull 10 lbs. routinely/ often / occasionally
  • Clarity of Vision
  • Ability to identify and distinguish colors
  • Must be able to perform activities with repetitive motions


This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by Management.

About WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec is a Chinese pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that provides research and development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. The company was founded in 2000 by Ge Li and is headquartered in Shanghai, China. WuXi AppTec has operations in China, the United States, and Europe. The company's services include drug discovery, development, and manufacturing, as well as clinical research and regulatory affairs. WuXi AppTec is one of the largest contract research organizations in the world and has partnerships with many of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.
Learn more about WuXi AppTec
Size
27,000 employees
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Founded
2000
* Ladders Estimates

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