Ophthalmology Principal Scientist, Translational Development

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced, visionary and motivated scientist to serve as a strategic leader within our Translational Development group, with a focus on advancing innovative therapies for retinal diseases. As a core member of the Ophthalmology team, this individual will help shape, lead, and execute scientific strategy across multiple programs, contributing to both target identification and early development efforts, particularly for neurodegenerative diseases of the retina, such as geographic atrophy. The ideal candidate is a strong scientific thinker with a proven ability to work across functions and influence at all levels of the organization.

In this role, the ideal candidate will develop a strategy and execute a high-impact discovery program aimed at identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets within and beyond the complement cascade. The candidate will be part of cross-functional teams, establish strategic direction, and build external collaborations to drive early proof-of-concept studies. The candidate's efforts will directly influence portfolio decisions and help shape the future of our ocular pipeline.

The candidate will also contribute to broader organizational success by influencing goal setting, contributing to the development of best practices and policies, and serving as a connector across teams to foster communication and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Help set scientific direction for early-stage ophthalmology programs, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals and therapeutic area strategy.
• Help lead cross-functional discovery teams, integrating expertise across pharmacology, chemistry, bioanalytics, and translational science to drive decision-making and program advancement.
• Design and oversee comprehensive target validation strategies using a range of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, with a focus on diseases of the retina.
• Conduct and guide in-depth target and disease area diligence, translating biological insights into actionable therapeutic opportunities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with external partners, including CROs and academic collaborators, to expand capabilities and accelerate progress.
• Proactively identify and address scientific and operational risks; implement fit-for-purpose approaches to advance programs efficiently.
• Collaborate across therapeutic areas and functions to ensure coordinated resourcing and prioritization of key projects.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in ophthalmology, representing the function in internal and external forums, and mentoring junior scientists.

Education, Registration & Certification:

• PhD in Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or a related biological science field.
• 8-10+ years of relevant experience in ophthalmology research and drug discovery, including substantial work focused on retinal diseases.

Experience:

• Extensive experience leading complex ophthalmology research programs, with a demonstrated track record of advancing programs from early discovery to proof-of-concept.
• Strategic thinker with strong experience navigating matrixed environments and influencing across functions and seniority levels.
• Deep expertise in therapeutic target identification and validation, particularly in retinal disease pathways involving complement, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration.
• Experience with a range of therapeutic modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, oligonucleotides) and translational models (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo).
• Proven ability to lead and mentor colleagues while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Strong communication skills with experience engaging stakeholders across disciplines, geographies, and organizational levels.
• Experience in dynamic, fast-paced biotech environments.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Highly collaborative and inclusive leader with the ability to bridge strategic thinking across functions.
• Skilled at building trust and transparency through open communication and thoughtful leadership.
• Comfortable making data-driven decisions in the face of ambiguity and complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to balance long-term strategic goals with day-to-day project execution.
• Strong understanding of project management principles and ability to align resources with organizational priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to tailor messaging to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficient in statistical tools and data analysis (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Excel); familiarity with electronic lab notebook systems and research documentation standards.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

This position is not a lab-based position, but there may be times when experimental support is needed that requires standing for prolonged periods of time. This would also require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.This job operates in a professional office environment and/or laboratory one and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Benefits and Perks:

Apellis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company match, inclusive family building benefits, flexible time off, summer and winter shutdowns, paid family leave, disability and life insurance, and more! Visithttps://apellis.com/careers/ to learn more.

Company Background:

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway, we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

For more information, please visithttp://apellis.comor follow us onTwitterandLinkedIn

EEO Statement:

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, smoker/nonsmoker, and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

For San Francisco postings: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.