Principal Scientist Liver

ProQR Therapeutics

Leiden, Netherlands

The Role:

As Principal Scientist Liver, you will provide scientific leadership for our liver programs, driving the discovery and development of novel RNA-based drug candidates for chronic liver diseases. You will shape scientific strategy, guide project teams in a matrix environment (without direct line management), and collaborate closely with internal and external partners to advance our liver pipeline and platform.

You will work closely with scientific program directors, the VP Axiomer Science, and the Chief Scientific Officer to identify and develop new opportunities, optimize our portfolio, and ensure scientific excellence across the liver programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Define and drive the scientific strategy for liver programs within the Axiomer platform;
Provide expert input into target selection, disease biology, and translational strategy for chronic and genetic liver diseases;
Lead efforts to elucidate mechanisms of action for targets and candidates using state-of-the-art tools and analytics;
Oversee design and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo studies relevant to liver biology and pathology;
Support the definition and assay implementation of target-related biomarkers;
Interpret complex datasets (omics, translational data, pharmacology), including in vitro/in vivo correlation and predictive modeling and make data-driven decisions;
Collaborate with internal teams (e.g. R&D, Clinical Operations) and external partners (CROs, academic groups) to align research plans and deliverables;
Proactively identify scientific and operational risks, propose mitigation strategies, and drive resolution;
Identify and evaluate new scientific and technological opportunities in nucleic acid therapeutics and delivery platforms for liver;
Serve as a scientific mentor and role model within project teams, fostering high-quality science and effective teamwork;
Communicate complex concepts clearly to both scientific and non-scientific stakeholders, including senior leadership.

We expect our Principal Scientist Liver to have:

PhD in a relevant scientific area, such as Liver Biology, accompanied by at least 10 years of post-graduate experience in pharmaceutical/biotech R&D or academic research dedicated to liver diseases;
Deep understanding of liver biology and complex biological systems;
Proven track record in liver disease drug discovery, ideally including genetic liver diseases;
Experience with oligonucleotide and/or RNA/base editing therapeutics and their liver-targeted delivery technologies is considered a strong plus;
Demonstrated experience in designing and leading in vivo and in vitro studies in liver disease models;
Experience supervising, mentoring teams or project groups in a matrix;
Solid understanding of in silico and computational approaches supporting drug discovery and development;
Strategic thinker, comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic biotech environment;
Flexible, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset;
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal;
Collaborative team player and pragmatic self-starter.