Principal Scientist, DMPK
About the Role:
Biogen is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist specializing in biotransformation/metabolite identification to join the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) department. This role is ideal for a technically strong scientist who thrives in a hands-on laboratory environment and enjoys solving complex drug metabolism challenges. The successful candidate will design and execute studies to identify and characterize drug metabolites, oversee some outsourced work, and deliver high-quality data to support drug discovery and development programs. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, along with scientific thinking and problem-solving skills.
What You'll Do:
- Design, execute, and interpret biotransformation studies to characterize drug metabolites in vitro and in vivo.
- Conduct hands-on laboratory work, including sample preparation, LC-MS/MS, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for metabolite profiling.
- Oversee and manage outsourced studies with CROs, ensuring scientific quality and compliance with project timelines.
- Provide detailed interpretation of metabolite data to guide medicinal chemistry and safety assessment decisions.
- Maintain awareness of regulatory guidance (e.g., FDA, EMA) and scientific trends in biotransformation and MIST (Metabolites in Safety Testing).
- Design and oversee mass balance and metabolite identification studies using ³H- or ¹⁴C-radiolabeled compounds in in-vitro systems and preclinical species for development candidates. Provide scientific guidance on metabolite identification in clinical SAD/MAD studies and support metabolism-related activities required for regulatory submissions.
- Develop, optimize, and validate innovative analytical methods to improve biotransformation workflows.
- Author and review high-quality scientific reports, regulatory submissions, and presentations.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including bioanalytical, toxicology and medicinal chemistry.
Who You Are:
Qualifications:
- Ph.D., Master's, or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience. (Master's with 8+ years OR Bachelor's with 10+ years)
- Strong expertise in drug metabolism and biotransformation, with hands-on experience in metabolite identification using LC-MS/MS and HRMS.
- Knowledge of in vitro models (hepatocytes, microsomes, S9 fractions) and in vivo systems for drug metabolism studies.
- Ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable insights.
- Familiarity with regulatory guidelines for metabolite safety testing (MIST).
- Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with human ADME studies, including QWBA (Quantitative Whole-Body Autoradiography) and radiolabeled compound studies.
- Familiarity with oligonucleotide biotransformation
- Track record of peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations in drug metabolism or biotransformation.
- Strong project management skills for coordinating outsourced studies.
Job Level: Management
Additional Information
The base compensation range for this role is: $138,000.00-$185,000.00
Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.
Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.
In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
- Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
- Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
- A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
- Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
- 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
- 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
- Employee Resource Groups participation
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Cambridge, MA delivered to your inbox every week.

Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- FSA
- HSA
- On-Site Gym
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Mental Health Benefits
- Fitness Subsidies
- HSA With Employer Contribution
Parental Benefits
- On-site/Nearby Childcare
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Happy Hours
- Some Meals Provided
- Company Outings
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Leave of Absence
- Personal/Sick Days
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Sabbatical
- Volunteer Time Off
- Summer Fridays
Financial and Retirement
- Relocation Assistance
- Performance Bonus
- Company Equity
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Stock Purchase Program
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)