Senior Scientist, In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacology

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a commercial‑stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for diseases with unmet need, with a focus on cardiovascular indications. With deep expertise in immunology and inflammation, Kiniksa is advancing a growing portfolio of approved and investigational medicines, anchored by its lead product, ARCALYST®, the first and only FDA‑approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis. Grounded in rigorous science and bold innovation, the company fosters a highly collaborative, patient‑first culture led by accomplished life sciences leaders. At Kiniksa, talented individuals are trusted and empowered to make a real impact—shaping the future of medicine while improving the lives of patients who need it most.

Kiniksa is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist, In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacology reporting to GVP, Research & Non-Clinical Development to join our Research organization. This individual will play a key role in advancing biologic drug candidates from discovery through clinical development by designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies that characterize mechanism of action, target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, and biomarker responses.

The successful candidate will serve as a scientific expert across multidisciplinary project teams and will contribute to the development of innovative therapies for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases. Particular emphasis will be placed on the characterization of biologics, development of pharmacology assays, and understanding disease biology relevant to protease biology, inflammation, and immune dysregulation.

This is an ideal opportunity for a creative, hands-on scientist who thrives at the intersection of pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, and therapeutic development. The role will collaborate closely with Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, Bioanalysis, and CMC.

This role is based in our Lexington, MA office. Our office-based employees follow an onsite schedule of 5 days in the office (Mon-Fri)

Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro pharmacology studies to support target validation, lead characterization, and clinical-stage development programs.
• Develop mechanistic assays evaluating target engagement, receptor occupancy, signaling pathways, cytokine modulation, immune cell activation, and pharmacodynamic responses.
• Establish and optimize cell-based and biochemical assays using primary cells, immortalized cell lines, co-culture systems, and in vivo disease-relevant models.
• Generate data packages that support candidate selection, indication prioritization, dose selection rationale, and clinical biomarker strategies.
• Identify emerging targets and pathways associated with protease driven  and immune-mediated disease.
• Serve as a scientific representative on project teams, contributing to research strategy, development plans, and decision-making.
• Collaborate with external CROs, academic investigators, and clinical collaborators.
• Present scientific findings to senior leadership and project governance teams.
• Author technical reports, study protocols, scientific publications, regulatory support documents, and presentations.

Standout Skills for Impact:

• Strong experience with in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Expertise in immunology, inflammation, and biologic drug development.
• Hands-on experience developing and optimizing cell-based and mechanistic assays.
• Ability to analyze complex scientific data and translate findings into actionable insights.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills within cross-functional drug development teams.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• PhD in Pharmacology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline.
• Typically 5+ years of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting discovery and translational development of biologic therapeutics.
• Experience working within cross-functional drug development teams from early research through clinical development.

Compensation decisions are based on objective criteria including role responsibilities, experience/qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and external market benchmarks.

Pay Range

$166,738—$174,397 USD

Kiniksa is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, genetics, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or any other legally protected category. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

Kiniksa does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms. Any resumes submitted without a signed agreement will be considered property of Kiniksa, and no fees will be paid.