Associate Director, Neurobiology Scientist

We are seeking an experienced and scientifically driven Associate Director, Neurobiology Scientist to join a growing biotech Discovery Biology team in Shanghai.

In this role, you will lead and drive the preclinical evaluation of large-molecule therapeutics in neurobiology-related disease areas, with a strong focus on both in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in neurobiology, translational biology, and preclinical drug discovery, along with hands-on experience in designing and interpreting disease-relevant assays and animal models. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative biologics addressing serious neurological diseases.

• Lead the design and execution of preclinical neurobiology studies to support large-molecule drug discovery programs
• Develop and implement in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate mechanism of action, efficacy, pharmacology, and translational potential of therapeutic candidates
• Collaborate closely with Discovery, Translational, Pharmacology, and CMC teams to advance biologics programs toward IND-enabling studies
• Identify and validate disease-relevant models, biomarkers, and translational endpoints for neurological indications
• Oversee internal studies and manage external collaborations with CROs, academic partners, and technology platforms
• Analyze, interpret, and present complex biological data to project teams and senior leadership
• Contribute to program strategy, including target validation, candidate selection, and preclinical development planning
• Stay current with scientific and technological advances in neurobiology, biologics discovery, and translational neuroscience

• PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline
• Strong postdoctoral and/or industry research experience in neurobiology or neuroscience drug discovery
• Biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience is required
• Proven experience with large-molecule therapeutics (e.g., antibodies, antibody-based modalities, other biologics)
• Solid understanding of preclinical drug discovery workflows, including target validation, pharmacology evaluation, and translational biology
• Hands-on or supervisory experience in both:
  • In vitro assays (e.g., cell-based functional assays, neuronal/glial systems, biomarkers, imaging, molecular and cellular readouts)
  • In vivo models (e.g., neurological disease models, behavioral studies, pharmacology or efficacy models)
• Experience managing CROs or external research collaborations is highly preferred
• Strong data interpretation, scientific communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment and contribute both strategically and scientifically

• Experience supporting biologics programs from discovery through lead optimization or IND-enabling stages
• Expertise in areas such as: neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, neuromuscular diseases, pain, CNS delivery, or related fields
• Knowledge of translational biomarkers and clinically relevant endpoints in neurological diseases
• Experience working in a global and/or bilingual research environment