Clinical Scientist, Clinical Development

Who We Are: MapLight Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company that focuses on drug discovery for central nervous system disorders. We combine cutting-edge technologies including optogenetics, in vivo physiology, and spatial transcriptomics to identify novel drug targets and develop effective therapies to address psychiatric symptoms.

What You’ll Do: 

We seek a highly motivated and accomplished Clinical Scientist (PhD) to join our team in the development of a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of neurobehavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s dementia. The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in clinical research, a commitment to scientific excellence, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of neurological care. This position reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, and offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team dedicated to transforming patient outcomes through innovative drug development.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Clinical Lead of the Alzheimer Dementia program
• Work collaboratively with the Program and Study teams on the optimal planning, implementation, and interpretation of clinical studies, including:
  • Preparation and review of key study documents (protocols, study plans, CRFs, SAPs, regulatory filings, IND reports, Investigator Brochures, and study reports).
  • Oversight of study start-up, conduct, and close-out activities.
  • Ongoing evaluation of study metrics, including eligibility criteria, blinded data, site performance, and protocol deviations.
• Manage, analyze, and interpret data collected during clinical trials and research studies, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data, as well as ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Engagement with sites, CROs, and vendors to strengthen study awareness, recruitment, and data quality.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with investigators, key opinion leaders, centers of excellence, and internal stakeholders across MapLight.
• Represent MapLight at scientific and clinical meetings; support the development of publications and presentations
• Communicate appropriate program issues and results to key internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure full compliance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, GCP standards, and MapLight’s internal policies and procedures

Position Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree
  • Preferred: Research in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or related disciplines
  • Candidates without doctoral degrees may be considered if experience is acceptable.
• Minimum 3 years of clinical research is required
  • Preferred: Minimum 3 years industry experience
  • Preferred: Minimum 3 years in research in neurodegenerative disease
  • Preferred: Meaningful regulatory interactions, including NDA and IND experience
• Established relationships with thought leaders and investigators in neurodegenerative diseases
• Demonstrated ability to work well within a geographically diverse team structure
• Demonstrated ability to work productively with cross-functional teams in an open, constructive work environment and dialogue with the Company’s stakeholders based on equality and mutual respect; transparency is critical and a key element to success.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex data, communicate clearly across functions, and lead in a matrixed environment.
  • Preferred: Experience with data science tools and languages for informal data analytics and visualization
• Fluent in written and verbal business English.
• Highly motivated, self-driven, and dependable.
• Committed to MapLight's Core Beliefs and Values.
• Preferred: Geographically located in the greater Boston, MA or Redwood City, CA areas

Travel:

• Ability to travel (approximately 25% domestic and international)

Location: This is a hybrid role with three days per week onsite in either our Burlington, MA or Redwood City, CA offices. Please refer to the city listed on the top of this post for this role's location. 

MapLight Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.