IBRI is poised to transform life sciences—and for millions of people, even life itself.

 The Opportunity:

The IBRI has a Senior Staff Scientist – Neuropharmacology position available for a talented individual with training, knowledge, and experience in pharmacology and translational research. The successful candidate will provide scientific and operational leadership for translational pharmacology activities, including coordination of multidisciplinary and external collaborations supporting neurodegeneration therapeutic discovery programs. As a Senior Staff Scientist, you will serve as a pharmacology leader supporting existing and future neurodegeneration research collaborations through translational pharmacology strategy, biomarker development, target validation, and advancement of therapeutic programs from discovery through IND-enabling activities.

The position will be highly cross-functional and will require effective collaborations with IBRI colleagues as well as Contract Research Organizations (CROs), external partners and funded collaborations. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to drive scientific excellence in a team setting through participation in translational research projects leading to patents and publications on research tools and pharmacological agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. This position will directly assist the IBRI’s financial growth by contributing to new grant funding and sponsored research collaborations with private companies.

This position is ideal for you if you want to work in an innovative institute in a technology district with opportunities to interact with academic research labs and life sciences organizations both regionally and globally.

Responsibilities:

• Define pharmacology strategies, translational endpoints, and assay priorities to support advancement of collaborative neurodegeneration therapeutic discovery programs.
• Lead translational pharmacology activities supporting Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across IBRI collaborations, including the NIH-sponsored TREAT-AD Center and associated programs.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary internal teams and external research partnerships to ensure scientific rigor, operational efficiency, and timely milestone delivery for the TREAT-AD Center and associated programs.
• Contribute to development of strategic scientific partnerships, sponsored research collaborations, and new funding opportunities aligned with IBRI priorities.
• Serve as a scientific leader overseeing IBRI activities in support of sponsored research programs with private companies.
• In support of the IBRI strategy, seek new funding opportunities and collaborations that leverage IBRI capabilities in neuropharmacology.
• Identify translational pharmacology and related technical capability gaps at the IBRI in support of neurodegeneration research and work with the management team to address.
• Coordinate and oversee external CRO collaborations supporting pharmacology, translational biology, and preclinical development activities.
• Engage with the scientific community through publications and presentations at conferences.
• Provide mentorship and scientific guidance to junior scientists, trainees, and research staff within collaborative translational research programs.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation that advances IBRI goals and positions the institute as a respected partner of choice in neurodegeneration research.

 Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in pharmacology or a closely related field with 10+ years of experience or a B.S. or M.S. with 20+ years of experience in research in academia, the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry with a focus on pharmacology.
• Demonstrated experience leading or directing multidisciplinary translational drug discovery programs from target identification and validation through preclinical and IND-enabling development activities.
• Experience integrating computational biology, transcriptomics, biomarker strategies, AI-enabled informatics, or systems biology approaches into translational drug discovery programs is desirable.
• Experience working within highly collaborative and externalized drug discovery environments involving CROs, academic partnerships, and multidisciplinary research networks.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams and manage resources effectively.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and strong decision-making skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships within the IBRI and with external partners.

Compensation:

Competitive comprehensive benefits offered and salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities.

 About Us:

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is a first-in-class translational medicine institute dedicated to advancing life sciences in the race to eliminate disease and improve human health and life.

By connecting early-stage biotech companies with cutting-edge life science discoveries —and backed by the mission and resources of industry leaders, investors, and philanthropic partners—IBRI is successfully evolving a new, independent model to conquer disease, uniting previously fragmented forces in the quest for cures.

Carefully curating and supporting early-stage companies with investment, talent, and space, IBRI strategically accelerates drug discovery. Our work benefits from the relatively low cost of living and doing business here, allowing more resources to be directed toward science.

Fueled by the same entrepreneurial creativity as the groundbreaking scientific work we support, IBRI’s labs advance research across the frontiers of diabetes, metabolic disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and rare pediatric diseases. Our ambitious public–private vision cultivates talent while efficiently bridging the gap between research-driven inquiry and profit-driven drug development.

At IBRI, cures are launched on a clear pathway to clinical trials, enabled by the combined resources and experience of our academic and industry partners, without the typical pressure to deliver rapid results for commercialization. IBRI labs pursue breakthroughs that might never happen elsewhere. Breakthroughs are happening here. Our novel financing model ensures that when discoveries are ready for clinical trials, the intellectual property is sold back to industry or spun off, creating a direct stream of revenue.

By every measure, the IBRI model demonstrates a novel approach that delivers rewards. Scientific bench work is nurtured, drug discovery is advanced, workforce development is continuous, investors see returns, and donors see impact. Most importantly, IBRI’s structure and portfolio of accomplishments matter to the patients whose lives are improved—or even saved—by this forward-looking approach to life sciences.

IBRI is driven to bring next-generation therapies to market with an understanding of the complex pressures that often bind innovation to economics. After more than a decade, the evidence is clear: IBRI is poised to transform life sciences—and for millions of people, even life itself.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

JOB CODE: 1000049