Senior Scientist II, Translational Science

As the Senior Scientist II in Translational Science at Scholar Rock, your main responsibilities will include the development and execution of a variety of bioanalytical assays like pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity, leading experimental design projects, and managing laboratory collaborations. You'll play a crucial role in generating decision-enabling data that supports preclinical and clinical studies across our innovative therapy pipeline.

To qualify for the Senior Scientist II role at Scholar Rock, candidates should have a PhD in a biology-related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience, or a BS/MS with at least 10 years of experience. Knowledge of bioanalytical platforms, regulatory guidelines, and proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Office and statistical software is also essential for success in this role.

The Senior Scientist II contributes directly to Scholar Rock's mission by applying their bioanalytical expertise to facilitate the development of revolutionary therapies for serious diseases. This role involves conducting essential research that generates data guiding project decisions and influences regulatory submissions, thus advancing our commitment to innovative treatments.

At Scholar Rock, the Senior Scientist II will thrive in a highly collaborative team environment. This role emphasizes teamwork, where you would lead projects, mentor junior scientists, and work closely with the Research and Development teams, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and innovation to enhance therapeutic development.

Career growth opportunities for a Senior Scientist II at Scholar Rock can include advancing into leadership roles, such as managing a research team or spearheading new projects, as well as increasing responsibilities in strategic planning and external partnerships. The innovative environment at Scholar Rock encourages continuous learning and development, paving the way for senior positions within the organization.

When answering this question, detail your hands-on experience with various bioanalytical platforms, such as ELISA and LC-MS/MS. Highlight specific projects where you led assay development and validation, and discuss the impact these assays had on supporting clinical studies or regulatory submissions.

Outline your step-by-step approach to experimental design, emphasizing the importance of understanding the study objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and ensuring robust data collection processes. Discuss how you incorporate feedback from cross-functional teams in this process.

When responding, discuss your project management strategies, such as setting clear objectives, maintaining open communication with vendors, and using project management tools to track progress. Provide examples of how you've successfully adhered to timelines in previous projects.

Talk about your familiarity with regulatory guidelines such as FDA and EMA. Share your experiences ensuring compliance through thorough documentation, regular reviews of procedures, and training team members on relevant policies.

Select a specific project that presented significant hurdles, whether in assay development or collaboration with external labs. Clearly outline the challenge, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Describe your mentoring approach by discussing techniques such as regular feedback sessions, encouraging independent problem-solving, and providing opportunities for skill development through hands-on projects. Highlight impactful experiences where your mentorship led to team success.

Explain the importance of effective communication in a collaborative research setting. Discuss how you ensure clarity in reporting results, sharing knowledge, and facilitating discussions within teams to enhance project outcomes.

Share your passion for Scholar Rock's mission and innovative approach to biopharmaceutical research. Emphasize alignment of values and your eagerness to contribute to the transformative therapies being developed that focus on high unmet needs in the medical field.

Discuss your commitment to professional development through avenues such as journal subscriptions, attending conferences, and participating in training programs. Mention any recent techniques or findings you've explored and how they relate to your work.

Illustrate your strategies for prioritizing tasks, such as assessing deadlines, communicating with stakeholders, and using organizational tools. Provide a past example demonstrating your effectiveness at managing multiple competing demands successfully.