Senior Advisor, Molecular Pharmacology

Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is a clinical-stage company developing orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonists as a new class of medicines for the treatment of narcolepsy and potentially other sleep-wake disorders. Centessa’s lead investigational candidate – cleminorexton (formerly ORX750) – is being developed for narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Centessa's OX2R agonist portfolio includes additional clinical and preclinical-stage assets with potential utility across a broader range of neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric conditions.

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Centessa was recognized as a Great Place to Work ® in 2026.

Description of Role

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and scientifically rigorous Senior Advisor, Molecular Pharmacology to provide scientific leadership, at the Associate Director level, for molecular pharmacology activities supporting neuroscience discovery and development programs.The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in pharmacology and apply broad scientific expertise to address questions related to compound pharmacology, receptor and target biology, signaling mechanisms, and translation across relevant experimental systems.

The ideal candidate will combine deep scientific expertise with curiosity, strategic thinking, and the ability to identify and implement experimental approaches that address evolving program needs. The individual will work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and with internal and external scientific partners to develop pharmacology strategies, guide experimental work, interpret complex data, and advance therapeutic programs.

Key Responsibilities

Provide scientific leadership and strategic direction for molecular pharmacology activities supporting neuroscience discovery and development programs

Develop pharmacology strategies and experimental plans to address key questions related to compound activity, receptor and target biology, signaling, mechanism of action, and translation

Design, guide, and interpret pharmacological studies using recombinant, endogenous, native, or other relevant experimental systems

Guide advanced characterization of therapeutic compounds using appropriate functional, binding, mechanistic, cellular, molecular, or translational approaches

Apply expertise in molecular pharmacology and receptor biology to identify scientific questions and experimental approaches that can inform program decisions

Integrate pharmacological and biological data across experimental systems and disciplines to develop clear scientific conclusions and recommendations

Collaborate closely with medicinal chemistry, in vivo pharmacology, DMPK, translational sciences, and other scientific partners to advance program objectives

Establish productive scientific partnerships with internal collaborators and external research organizations; provide appropriate scientific direction while leveraging complementary expertise

Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex scientific and experimental challenges

Mentor scientists and contribute to a collaborative environment characterized by scientific rigor, intellectual curiosity, and high-quality execution

Evaluate emerging technologies, methodologies, and scientific approaches and apply them where they can meaningfully advance research programs

Communicate scientific strategy, results, and recommendations effectively to multidisciplinary project teams and research leadership

Qualifications

PhD in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a closely related scientific discipline with substantial experience in supporting drug discovery research

Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience

Strong foundation in molecular pharmacology, with expertise in one or more areas such as receptor pharmacology, GPCR biology, cellular signaling, mechanistic pharmacology, neuroscience, or related disciplines

Broad understanding of experimental approaches used to characterize compound pharmacology, receptor and target biology, and biological mechanisms

Experience developing scientific strategy and independently addressing complex experimental and drug discovery questions

Demonstrated ability to integrate data across experimental systems and scientific disciplines

Experience directing collaborative research activities involving internal and/or external scientific partners

Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop scientists

Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment and manage multiple scientific priorities

Excellent scientific judgment, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $130,000.00 to $180,000.00. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including location, qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge.

In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus. The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 401(k) plan, company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and a health and wellness program.

Work Location

The Senior Advisor, Molecular Pharmacology role is a remote role based in the US, with occasional travel.

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt

EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subdisary of Eli Lilly and Company believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.