Boston, MA (Hybrid)

Position: Discovery Biology (Principal Scientist)

Position Summary

Karuna is seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Scientist, Discovery, to join our rapidly growing organization. Reporting to the Vice President, Discovery Research, this critical position will be responsible for shaping future target discovery strategies in partnership with our discovery team and potential external academic and industry collaborators with the goal of developing and executing on the identification of new targets for advancement into the drug discovery portfolio. In addition, the candidate will have excellent communication skills needed to work collaboratively with colleagues across disciplines to refine early concepts and ensure timely execution of studies designed to understand (i) target biology relevant to drug discovery, (ii) mechanisms of action, and (iii) proof-of-concept studies.

Responsibilities

• Effectively lead cross-functional program teams from target identification through development candidate selection.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership across discovery projects and initiatives.
• Partner with teams to design decision-enabling preclinical experiments to resolve issues and establish mechanism of action.
• Extend internal capabilities through external industrial and academic collaborations.
• Provide leadership in the compilation, analysis, interpretation, and communication of data.
• Contribute to the team and work collaboratively across different functions.
• Assist in the development of more junior scientific staff.

Required Qualifications:

• D. in Biology (neuroscience experience preferred).
• 12 years of relevant industry experience.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary research teams in pursuit of innovative small molecule drug candidates.
• Proven ability to manage & prioritize work across multiple projects.
• Documented record of achievement in the form of patents, publications and/or conference presentations.
• Experience managing and prioritizing work at external contract research organizations.
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management skills.
• Proactive communicator with excellent verbal and written skills.
• Uses teamwork to achieve most effective solutions, yet is capable of highly independent work.
• Results-oriented individual who is highly motivated, decisive, and flexible.
• Experience in a small company environment is a plus.

The successful candidate will also embody our values:

Our purpose is to create value for those we have the privilege to serve:

• We take pride in our work
• We keep our promises and deliver
• We are driven to meaningfully innovate
• We succeed through inclusion and teamwork

Karuna Therapeutics is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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