Principal Scientist, Neuroscience

This range is provided by Gondola Bio. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

Company Background:

Gondola Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation therapeutics for genetic diseases. Originally launched as Bridge

BioX, a subsidiary of Bridge Bio, Gondola Bio secured $300M in private financing from external investors in 2024 and became an independent company within the Bridge Bio ecosystem. The company aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to create breakthrough medicines addressing high unmet needs across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology. Located on the Stanford Life Sciences campus, Gondola Bio fosters a unique hybrid environment where top scientists from around the world collaborate with senior leadership and advisors, blending industry expertise with academic innovation.

Who You Are:

We're seeking an entrepreneurial scientific leader who combines intellectual rigor with practical execution skills to advance our Neuroscience pipeline  will serve as the scientific lead for multiple preclinical neuroscience programs. You will play a pivotal role in designing, executing, and interpreting experiments. This position offers the opportunity to shape research strategy while mentoring junior scientists and contributing to a growing, interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of in vitro studies across multiple preclinical discovery programs in neurodevelopmental disorders

• Develop and optimize functional assays and neuronal models (e.g., iPSC-derived and primary cultures) to support SAR, MoA, target engagement, and efficacy assessments

• Perform and interpret molecular, protein, and functional analyses (e.g., qPCR, Western blot, MEA), integrating findings with in vivo and translational data

• Supervise and mentor junior scientists, fostering a high-performing and collaborative research environment

• Oversee external research activities, including CRO and academic collaborations, ensuring high-quality and timely data delivery

• Stay abreast of emerging science, engage with external experts, and represent the company at scientific meetings

• Communicate results and strategic insights to senior leadership; contribute to publications and IP

• Partner with leadership to shape and execute a cohesive research strategy that advances program objectives across discovery and translational stages

Education, Experience & Skills Requirements:

• PhD in Neuroscience or a related field with 4+ years of industry experience; strong publication record is a plus

• Therapeutic domain expertise in neurological diseases and experience with in vivo CNS disease models; experience in neurodevelopmental disorders is a plus

• Extensive experience with human iPSC-derived neuronal models and neurobiology-focused assay development

• Proficiency in qPCR, Western blot, MEA, and neuronal culture techniques

• Sound knowledge of disciplines involved in drug discovery (cell-based disease models, target engagement and target modulation assays, cell viability assays, biomarker discovery, PD/PK, and efficacy studies) and experience with small molecules, plate-based cellular and biochemical assays; experience with antisense oligonucleotides a plus

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and lead junior team members

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Experience in biotech or pharmaceutical R&D preferred

No matter your role at Gondola Bio, successful team members are:

• Patient Champions, who put patients first and uphold strict ethical standards

• Entrepreneurial Operators, who drive toward practical solutions and have an ownership mindset

• Truth Seekers, who are detailed, rational, and humble problem solvers

• Individuals Who Inspire Excellence in themselves and those around them

• High-quality executors, who execute against goals and milestones with quality, precision, and speed

What We Offer:

• Patient Days, where we are fortunate enough to learn more about the lives…