Senior Scientist

Job Description

In this pivotal role, you will design, coordinate, and oversee preclinical in vivo studies through external CRO partners, playing a central role in establishing robust proof of concept across innovative oncology pipelines. This is a full time, office based role.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• In Vivo Study Design & Execution: Independently design and plan robust preclinical in vivo studies (including efficacy, PK/PD, target engagement, mechanism of action, and tolerability) utilizing appropriate oncology models (CDX, PDX, and others). Ensure full compliance with relevant animal license and ethical standards.
• CRO Management & Oversight: Lead the scientific coordination and oversight of outsourced in vivo studies, including CRO selection, protocol development, study execution, troubleshooting, and rigorous quality control to ensure delivery of high-quality data on schedule.
• Data Analysis & Strategic Interpretation: Analyze and integrate complex in vivo efficacy, PK/PD, and pharmacodynamic biomarker data to evaluate compound performance, guide candidate optimization, and drive go/no-go decisions for pipeline progression.
• Translational Pharmacology: Develop and implement translationally relevant in vivo models, dosing strategies, and pharmacodynamic readouts to establish mechanism of action and proof-of-concept for internal programs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal Biology, Chemistry, and Translational teams, as well as external academic and industrial partners, aligning in vivo strategy with broader program goals.
• Project & Timeline Delivery: Manage project timelines, study budgets, CRO deliverables, and reporting. Proactively identify scientific or operational risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Scientific Communication & IP: Present data and recommendations clearly to internal leadership and key external stakeholders. Contribute to patent applications, regulatory documentation, and peer-reviewed scientific publications as required.

Person Specification & Requirements

Education & Qualifications

• MSc and/or PhD in Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Oncology, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent relevant industry experience).

Essential Experience & Skills

• Strong track record in oncology in vivo pharmacology within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment, ideally with at least 3–5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in independently designing, coordinating, and interpreting in vivo efficacy and PK/PD studies utilizing CDX and PDX models.
• Proven experience managing outsourced preclinical studies through CRO partners, covering the full life cycle from protocol development through study execution to final data delivery.
• Deep understanding of PK/PD relationships, target engagement, and pharmacodynamic biomarkers, with direct application to candidate optimization.
• Strong analytical capability to critically evaluate complex scientific data and formulate actionable recommendations for project teams.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills, with a track record of driving multiple parallel studies in cross-functional team environments.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with novel oncology modalities, such as targeted protein degraders (PROTACs or molecular glues), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), or targeted small molecules.
• Hands-on experience designing in vivo studies to evaluate mechanism of action, including target protein degradation, tumor drug exposure, and downstream pharmacodynamic responses.
• Familiarity with antibody biodistribution, payload pharmacology, or translational biomarker development.
• Working knowledge of animal welfare regulations, ethical requirements, and licensing guidelines for outsourced preclinical studies.