Study Director of In Vitro Neuroscience(J23907)

Summary: Lead and deliver in vitro neuroscience studies, develop platform capabilities, and manage multidisciplinary teams and client relationships to support discovery and preclinical programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead client discussions to define study objectives, prepare tailored proposals, and provide ongoing scientific support to domestic and international business development teams and clients on in vitro and ex vivo neuroscience capabilities, ensuring client needs are clearly translated into executable study designs and high win rates.
• Plan, manage, and integrate complex neuroscience programs across in vitro, in vivo, chemistry, and DMPK/toxicology teams, while also planning and executing internal R&D to expand in vitro neuroscience platforms and capabilities, proactively identifying scientific and technical challenges, proposing practical solutions, and driving their implementation.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of studies, including drafting and reviewing protocols, ensuring high quality execution and data integrity, reviewing and approving reports, documenting scientific findings, and preparing manuscripts, patent applications, and other scientific communications as needed.
• Build, lead, and develop a high performing multidisciplinary team by hiring, training, and mentoring staff; managing daily operations and resource allocation; optimizing workflows and performance; and ensuring strict adherence to EH&S and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Source, evaluate, and manage external vendors and collaborators; monitor scientific and industry trends; and develop and execute strategic research plans around neural mechanisms and therapeutic development, while collaborating closely with business development, marketing, and global partners to expand and maintain a strong global customer base and key stakeholder relationships.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or a related field, with extensive neuroscience research experience, ideally in a neuroscience-focused company or neurology research setting. A strong publication record and demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments in an industrial context are essential.
• 5–12+ years of relevant research experience, preferably including at least 3 years in industry or a leadership role, with comprehensive knowledge of neuroscience-related drug discovery processes, such as drug design, chemical modification, delivery systems, in vitro/in vivo evaluation, ADME/PK, toxicology, bioanalysis, and bioinformatics. Experiences in oligonucleotide drug discovery is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience in cellular and molecular biology and in vitro pharmacology assays, including synaptic function, neuroinflammation, and pain; proficiency with techniques like ELISA, western blot, confocal imaging, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, MEA, and iPSC-derived neuron platforms.
• Proven leadership and people-management skills, including hiring, mentoring, and managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring EH&S and regulatory compliance, and optimizing team performance and workflows.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with external clients and internal partners, along with proficiency in data-analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R, Python, etc.) and common lab informatics tools to support data integrity and reporting.
• Ability to translate scientific advances into strategic research plans and platform development, build and maintain relationships with global partners, and support business development inquiries regarding in vitro and ex vivo neuroscience capabilities.
• Motivation for continuous learning and adaptation to technological advances, with fluency in Chinese and English (reading, writing, and speaking) to facilitate global collaborations and communications.