Principal Scientist, DMPK

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist to join our Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics (PDMB) organization at our Research Laboratories in South San Francisco. The candidate will contribute to Our Company's biologics, drug conjugates, and novel modality discovery and development pipeline. The ideal candidate will represent PDMB in project teams across multiple therapeutic areas, including Oncology, Cardiometabolic diseases, and Immunology. The candidate will contribute to the development of project-specific, adaptable research operating plans. In addition, the candidate will work closely with DMPK and modeling partners to support lead identification/optimization, enable FIH translation, and compile non-clinical packages to support regulatory filings. The candidate will collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners to facilitate program progression through science-based decision making. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and possess excellent scientific, interpersonal, and communication skills. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to DMPK strategy and new capability buildout.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a project-team representative and DMPK subject matter expert for biologics drug discovery and development, including but not limited to drug conjugates, multi-specific biologics, and novel modalities. Contribute to overall team strategy

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo mechanistic and translational studies to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and metabolic properties of therapeutic proteins, such as drug conjugates and other modalities, to influence drug design, lead selection, and drive PK/PD translation

• Be accountable for providing timely and high-quality data to teams

• Author regulatory documents from FIH through registrational filing

• Effectively partner across multidisciplinary interfaces and provide strategic DMPK guidance to drive drug discovery and development

• Contribute to departmental scientific initiatives and strategies. Foster a high-performance culture of innovation, collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion

• Stay abreast of external scientific advancements and contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new technologies and methodologies in DMPK for drug discovery

Qualifications:

Education:

• Ph.D. (with 8+ years) or Master's (with 12+ years) in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biology, or related field and relevant industry experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated team-facing experience leading DMPK efforts in biologics and conjugate discovery teams

• A proven track record of setting strategies and priorities and managing resources as an independent project-team representative within a highly dynamic and collaborative environment

• Proficiency in analyzing, interpreting, and providing context around data describing the DMPK and PKPD properties of therapeutic proteins; ability to extract preclinical PKPD/efficacy relationships and translate to the clinical setting

• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate DMPK findings to inform decision-making in drug discovery and development

• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills, highly motivated and self-driven with a keen interest in staying at the forefront of DMPK science and technology

• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and training junior scientists with a mindset of fostering diversity and inclusion

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Prior experience with multiple therapeutic modalities (e.g. small molecules, peptides, etc) and/or novel modalities

• In-depth understanding and experience in discovery bioanalytical science, including immunoassay, LC/MS 

• In-depth understanding of modeling principles. Hands-on experience with modeling using various software packages

• Knowledge of novel and translatable in vitro cellular models and/or in vivo models

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

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