Principal Scientist, Analytical Development – Drug Product - MapLight Therapeutics

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 are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist to lead analytical development efforts for small molecule oral drug products. This role will support early to late-stage development programs and ensure robust characterization, method development, and regulatory compliance to advance our pipeline through clinical and commercial success.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and optimization of analytical methods for oral drug product in-process, release, and stability testing. Experienced with a wide range of techniques such as HPLC, GC, LC-MS, DSC, TGA, XRPD, KF, dissolution, and other relevant analytical techniques to ensure method suitability for intended applications.
• Design and lead method validation activities to ensure methods meet ICH, FDA, EMA, and other applicable regulatory guidelines. Oversee method development and transfer activities at contract manufacturers and testing laboratories, ensuring clear documentation and effective technology transfer.
• Coordinate and oversee ICH stability programs for drug products at external vendors.
• Prepare, review, and approve technical documents such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), analytical methods/protocols/reports, and product specifications.
• Author and review analytical sections of regulatory submissions (IND, IMPD, NDA/MAA) and support regulatory interactions as an analytical subject matter expert.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists, development teams, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs to ensure analytical needs are met across the product lifecycle.
• Lead or contribute to multi-disciplinary project teams, manage analytical development timelines and communicate progress to stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• PhD. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 7+ years; or B.S with 10+ years.
• Experience with analytical development in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or CRO/CMO industry including direct experience with regulatory submissions and GMP/GLP environments.
• Direct experience working with external manufacturing and analytical testing sites is essential.
• Proficiency in chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, GC), spectroscopy (MS, UV/Vis, FTIR), dissolution testing, and other analytical techniques. Experience with method development, validation, transfer, and troubleshooting is essential.
• Experience with late phase development activities (registration/PPQ) is a plus.
• Comprehensive understanding of ICH, FDA, EMA, and other health authority guidelines relevant to analytical method development and validation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data to diverse audiences and write clear, concise technical documents.
• Capacity to manage multiple workflows and priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Location: This is a hybrid role with three days onsite at our office in Burlington, MA.