Principal Scientist, Translational Neuroscience

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs. 

Position Description:

Calico is seeking a highly motivated and innovative neuroscientist skilled at non-clinical research and drug development to join the Translational Neuroscience group at Calico. She/he should have demonstrated expertise and track record in conducting mechanistic investigations of translationally relevant (patho)physiological pathways in academia or industry. Broad knowledge of biological mechanisms coupled with intellectual agility and an ability to conduct hypothesis driven experiments that uncover deep mechanistic insight is a must. An interest in or experience working on pathways relevant to human aging or age-related diseases, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease etc., will also be viewed very favorably. The successful candidate will work closely with discovery scientists, computational scientists, human geneticists, preclinical pharmacologists, and other members of the research, technology and drug development organizations at Calico and AbbVie. She/he will be primarily responsible for conducting late-stage research and generating key data that inform and enable program transitions within Calico’s drug development portfolio. Calico promotes collaborations and will provide access to advanced technologies and infrastructure in the areas of, for example, pre-clinical imaging, genomics, microscopy, and biochemistry as well as advanced data analysis capabilities. This position will report to the Head of Translational Neuroscience. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Conducting hypothesis driven non-clinical research in support of Calico’s pipeline projects in neurology
• Delivering novel mechanistic insight into age-related (patho)physiological pathways of interest to Calico, identification of therapeutic opportunities for our late-stage research initiatives and validation of new targets
• Work closely with Calico’s basic research scientists, preclinical pharmacologists, and R&D project teams to provide high-quality preclinical data necessary to enable decision making and advancement to early clinical development
• Interact closely with AbbVie colleagues and other external partners including academic laboratories, contract research organization and other key contributors
• Participate in the evaluation of new targets identified by our Business Development group and to develop strategies to validate these targets
• Generate experimental plans, gain approval, execute studies, and present study reports and recommendations to various governance forums in a matrixed environment 

Position Requirements:

• PhD or MD, with broad experience in conducting translationally relevant non-clinical research and direct experience and understanding of biopharmaceuticals and drug development
• A minimum of 8 years of industry or independent academic experience and a strong scientific track record as evident from publications, IND filings and/or patents
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, must be a team player with the ability to influence project direction in a cross functional team environment  
• An interest in mechanisms of human aging or experience working on age-related neurological diseases is essential

The estimated base salary range for this role is $192,000 - $201,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.