Senior / Principal Scientist, Immunology & Pharmacology

About the role

The Opportunity
PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) is expanding its drug discovery organization in the Greater Boston area and is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior or Principal Scientist with expertise in immunology, immuno-oncology, and translational pharmacology.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal research teams and external partners to identify, evaluate, and prioritize novel therapeutic targets.
• Design and execute proof-of-concept (POC) studies to validate biological hypotheses and therapeutic mechanisms.
• Develop and optimize in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology assays.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible datasets to support discovery-stage decision making and program advancement.
• Apply mechanistic understanding of immunology and oncology to interpret experimental outcomes.
• Partner with project leaders to define scientific strategy, milestones, and deliverables.
• Contribute to advancement of discovery and preclinical programs toward IND-enabling studies.
• Provide scientific leadership across programs and mentor junior scientists.
• Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams spanning biologics discovery, translational science, bioinformatics/data science, and external CRO collaborators.
• Ensure timely analysis, interpretation, and communication of critical data and project updates.
• Present clear, data-driven scientific findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain awareness of emerging advances in immunology, oncology, and therapeutic modalities relevant to pipeline strategy.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Oncology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Strong scientific background and hands-on experience in immunology and/or oncology drug discovery.
• Experience supporting discovery and preclinical-stage therapeutic programs.
• Approximately 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with human primary immune cell assays and translational pharmacology workflows.
• Proficiency in multi-color flow cytometry (FACS), ELISA, MSD, and related immunological assay platforms.
• Experience with engineered cytokines, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and/or other novel therapeutic modalities preferred.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled or computational approaches supporting drug discovery is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, experimental design, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401(k) matching and comprehensive health coverage.

Pay

TBD

Schedule

TBD

Equal Employment Opportunity

At PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC)

PIRC does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to PIRC employees or HR will become the property of PIRC without obligation or fee.