Senior Principal Scientist - Mass Spectrometry & Biomarkers

The Position

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Principal Scientist or Senior Principal Scientist to join our Mass Spectrometry-based Biomarker team within Drug Discovery Sciences in Germany.  In this role, you will drive the application of cutting-edge mass spectrometry approaches to address critical questions in translational sciences, biomarker discovery, target confirmation, and disease biology across drug discovery programs.You will work in global multidisciplinary project teams generating high-impact results and insights that directly inform decision-making and help advance innovative drug candidates toward clinical development. This is a high visibility scientific leadership role for someone who combines deep technical expertise in mass spectrometry with a strong understanding of translational sciences in an industry setting.

If you are passionate about shaping drug discovery through innovative mass spectrometry applications and want to play a central role in a dynamic, ambitious team, we would love to hear from you.

This position can be filled either as Senior Principal Scientist or Principal Scientist.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead and shape mass spectrometry-based biomarker and translational strategies to address key questions in drug discovery programs, including biomarker discovery, target confirmation, MoA studies, and disease model characterization.
• Design, propose, and implement innovative experimental concepts and mass spectrometry-based workflows that deliver impactful scientific results for projects.
• Act as a scientific leader and key representative of the MS Biomarker function in cross-functional project teams, contributing to program strategy and critical decision-making.
• Translate complex analytical and biological data into clear, actionable recommendations for project teams and stakeholders.
• Build strong and effective interfaces across research functions, external collaborators, and CRO partners to ensure efficient execution and high-quality result delivery.
• Mentor, inspire, and develop scientists within a high-performing and collaborative research environment.

Additional tasks & responsibilities as Senior Principal Scientist

• Serve as a recognized scientific and technology leader in mass spectrometry-based applications for drug discovery and translational science.
• Shape and influence scientific strategy across multiple programs and contribute to broader functional direction in biomarker and translational sciences in early project pipeline.
• Identify, champion, and implement next-generation technologies and innovative approaches that strengthen translational and target confidence strategies across therapeutic areas.
• Lead leaders and help strengthen organizational capability in the area of mass spectrometry-based biomarker sciences.

Requirements

• PhD in biochemistry, pharmacology or related scientific discipline.
• Several years of experience in preclinical drug discovery, including (matrix) leadership responsibilities.
• Strong track record as a scientific representative in discovery projects, with the ability to influence project direction in an industry setting.
• Profound experience leading scientists and lab staff in an industrial environment.
• Deep expertise in mass spectrometry based applications, ideally with strong experience in proteomics, and demonstrated ability to solve key drug discovery challenges.
• Expert level understanding of biomarkers, translational sciences, biochemical mechanisms, and pharmacological principles relevant to drug discovery.
• Indepth understanding of omics data analysis workflows and data management.
• Excellent presentation skills, stakeholder management and ability to present concepts outside of expertise area.
• Fluent English skills, with German language skills considered a plus

Additional tasks & responsibilities as Senior Principal Scientist

• 10+ years of experience applying mass spectrometry and proteomics technologies to early drug discovery programs in an industrial environment.
• Deep expertise in translational sciences and the ability to apply strategies to broader program goals.
• Strong conceptual and forward-looking mindset, with a passion for advancing mass spectrometry-based applications, particularly proteomics.
• Experience leading senior scientists and/or leaders within a research organization.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a highly collaborative and international research environment where mass spectrometry, biology, and translational science come together to impact drug discovery.
• Apply your expertise to scientifically challenging questions with direct relevance for program progression and future clinical development.
• Help shape and advance innovative MS-based biomarker strategies across therapeutic areas.
• Work with talented multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the development of the next generation of breakthrough therapies.

Ready to contact us? 

If you have any questions about the job posting or process - please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330 or via mail: hr.de@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Recruitment process:

Step 1: Online application - The job posting is presumably online until June 15th, 2026.
Step 2: Virtual meeting till end of June
Step 3: On-site interviews mid of July

Please submit your application documents in English.