Principal Scientist | Liver Diseases (m/f/d) (Biberach, Germany, Baden-Württemberg)

The Position

We are seeking an accomplished Scientist to advance our mission of delivering disease-modifying therapies to patients with liver cirrhosis.

As Principal Scientist, you will lead a team of lab scientists and take ownership of identifying and advancing novel therapeutic approaches, from target identification through to candidate selection. A deep understanding of liver physiology and expert knowledge of disease-relevant cellular and tissue models will set you up for success in this role.

Join us and drive innovative drug discovery projects within our Cardio‑Renal‑Metabolic Diseases Research Department, located at Boehringer Ingelheim's largest R&D site in Biberach an der Riss, Germany. You will work alongside talented colleagues, access cutting‑edge technology, and help shape the future of liver disease therapy.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Manage an in vitro pharmacology lab and mentor a team of highly skilled lab scientists, fostering a collaborative environment and actively developing the skills of your team members.
• Apply innovative in vitro and ex vivo models that reflect human liver disease conditions to identify promising drug candidates.
• Build the evidence base to translate therapeutic concepts from preclinical models to patients, leveraging experimental models and data science tools.
• Navigate effectively within a matrix‑based environment, collaborating across disciplines including Medicinal Chemistry, Biologics Development, Drug Discovery Support functions, Computational Innovation, and Experimental Medicine.
• Enable decision making by communicating complex results efficiently to stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong external network, manage external collaborations, and contribute to advancing the science of liver cirrhosis by publishing papers and presenting at scientific conferences.

Requirements

• Doctorate (PhD) in biology, biochemistry, or molecular pharmacology, with expert knowledge in liver physiology specifically the pathophysiology of cirrhosis complications. Knowledge of alcohol‑associated liver cirrhosis is a plus.
• Multiple years of drug discovery experience in a pharmaceutical industry setting, with demonstrated expertise spanning target identification through to candidate selection. Proficiency in cell‑based methods (primary cells, organotypic cultures) to model liver disease conditions in vitro/ex vivo. Skilled in molecular, cellular and biochemical profiling techniques.
• Proven line‑management and leadership skills, including setting and evaluating objectives and advancing the development of team members.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary project team.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, combined with agile working, innovative thinking, and a problem‑solving mindset.
• Fluent written and spoken English; knowledge of German is a plus.

Start date: ASAP

As part of our commitment to transparency and fairness, salary information will be shared during the recruitment process. We also offer a comprehensive benefits and wellbeing package.

Applications from persons with severe disabilities are warmly welcomed. In cases of equal qualifications, such applicants will be given preferential consideration in the selection process.