Senior Scientist, Preclinical Pharmacology

Company Description

Skeletalis is a Boston-based biotechnology company developing novel small molecule therapeutics for osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases, backed by leading life science investors.

Role Description

This is a full-time, hybrid role located in Boston, MA, for a Senior Scientist specializing in Preclinical Pharmacology. In this role, you will design and execute preclinical studies to support the development of new therapeutics targeting bone health and related conditions. Key responsibilities include the design and oversight of in vivo PK and efficacy studies in rodent and non-rodent models, collaboration with external partners on bioanalytical activities, and generation of translational data packages to support program progression and dose strategy. This is a high-ownership role at an early-stage company, requiring strong technical judgment, clear prioritization, and effective cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, oversee and interpret in vivo efficacy studies in rodent and non-rodent species including study design, dose selection, endpoint strategy, and sample collection planning.
• Translate PK/PD and efficacy findings into actionable recommendations for dose regimen optimization, candidate selection, and translational endpoints that support development decisions.
• Coordinate with external partners on study execution, animal sourcing, imaging, and sample collection logistics, ensuring study quality, compliance, and data integrity.
• Contribute to the development, transfer, and oversight of fit-for-purpose bioanalytical methods (LC-MS/MS, ELISA) for quantifying drug, metabolites, and biomarkers in biological matrices, including method transfer to and oversight of CROs.
• Establish and manage a well-organized biorepository to support current and future studies.
• Build productive relationships with external scientific collaborators and advisors to access relevant expertise and capabilities.
• Collaborate with chemistry, preclinical biology and clinical teams to align strategy and deliverables.

Qualifications (Required):

• PhD in Pharmacology, Physiology, or related field, with 4-6 years of relevant industry experience in preclinical pharmacology and drug discovery; OR MS/BS with 8-10 years of equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and interpreting in vivo pharmacology and PK studies across species, including large animal studies.
• Strong scientific communication skills with the ability to present data and recommendations to cross-functional teams, advisors, and external partners.
• Prior experience in a small or early-stage biotech environment with an externalized operating model and/or experience working inside of a CRO.
• Comfort operating across disciplines in a lean team: willingness to contribute to areas adjacent to your core expertise when the program needs it.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice to have:

• Experience in bone biology, osteoporosis, or musculoskeletal disease pharmacology, including familiarity with relevant in vivo models, biomarkers strategies, histology/histomorphometry and skeletal imaging approaches (DEXA, microCT).
• Hands-on or oversight experience with LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method development for small molecules in biological matrices.
• Working knowledge of regulated environments (GLP and/or CLIA) and experience supporting or managing IND-enabling study execution through CROs.

Why join us:

• Greenfield science with real clinical endpoints: opportunity to shape preclinical and translational strategy in a high-impact therapeutic area.
• Broad scientific scope with meaningful ownership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Small team environment where individual contributions directly influence program progress.