Senior Scientist, PKPD Modeling & Simulation

Role Summary

You will be a part of an translational modeling and simulation / pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) team within the Translational Modeling and Simulation group of the Medicine Design Department which develops and applies state-of-the-art modeling and simulation methodologies to preclinical programs to enable key drug discovery decisions from idea to first-in-human studies. As a member of global multidisciplinary project teams, you will develop and implement quantitative mechanism-based PK-PD models which impact the quality of decisions regarding target prioritization, therapeutic modality selection, drug design, biomarker characterization, and early clinical trial design.

Role Responsibilities

You will have an opportunity to support a range of projects within the Center for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI) and the Oncology Research Unit (ORU). CTI is an outward facing research unit that partners with leading academic researchers to translate novel discoveries into therapies that change patient's lives, while the ORU develops novel transformative small molecule therapeutics to address existing unmet needs in oncology. Implementing translational science, such as empirical and/or model-based interspecies scaling of PK-PD and making predictions of human dose and therapeutic index, will be an important task supporting projects transitioning into the clinic. In the earlier phases of drug discovery, the deployment of mechanistic modeling and/or systems pharmacology/systems biology modeling is an essential responsibility for guiding discovery teams to evaluate the therapeutic potential of novel molecular targets, define laboratory objectives, design and interpret in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies and select appropriate compounds for clinical development. To this end, the successful applicant will aid biologists and other experimentalists in implementing emerging methodologies and technologies relevant to drug discovery. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with multiple stakeholders outside of the modeling and simulation discipline (e.g. Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, DMPK, Drug Safety, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical). The individual is expected to keep up to date with emerging literature and science in modeling and simulation sciences and will have the opportunity to present scientific results both internally and externally through conference presentations and publications. Given the global nature of project teams and group members, excellent communication skills, a pro-active approach and independence are preferred characteristics for the successful applicant.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree or equivalent degree in systems biology, pharmacometrics, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, physics, mathematics, or similar disciplines where modeling and simulation is emphasized.
  
• Familiarity, through experience, with the phases of drug discovery and development, with particular emphasis on compound selection and translational research issues (preferred, but not required).
  
• 0 - 2 years of experience
  
• Strong communication skills, ability to work independently and in teams, and attention to detail.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Excellent understanding of theory, principles and statistical aspects of advanced mathematical modeling and simulation
  
• Hands-on knowledge of the state-of-the-art modeling and simulation software and applications in the area of PKPD modeling and simulation (NONMEM, MatLab, Phoenix, Berkeley-Madonna, SAAM II, ADAPT, ACSL, S-plus, R or comparable applications).
  
• An understanding of the basic principles of pharmacokinetics (non-compartmental, compartmental, PBPK)
  
• Ability to learn new areas of biological sciences and build on solid foundation of quantitative skills to develop mechanistically-relevant PK-PD models
  
• Ability to translate/condense/summarize outcomes of modeling and simulation analyses into information that can be used by project teams
  
• Ability to keep up-to-date with and propose the implementation of scientific and technological developments in the area of PK-PD modeling and simulation
  
• Good team player and communicator; including good listening skills and the ability to effectively interact with colleagues with a variety of backgrounds
  
• Ability to work in a small team with minimal technical supervision (self starter) and remote team members
  
• Motivated to develop a career as a hands-on, technical modeling and simulation expert in a preclinical drug discovery environment
  
• Keen to interact as a modeling and simulation expert with matrix project teams working closely with PDM, Biology and Clinical scientists
  
• Strong belief that modeling and simulation can have a significant positive impact on research projects
  
• Committed to the development of self and others
  
• Motivated to share technical expertise with others
  

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis
  

Non-Standard Work Schedule, Travel or Environment Requirements

• Occasional travel, 1 - 2 times a year, may be needed.
  

Additional Job Information:

• Locations: Boston, MA or La Jolla, CA
  
• Relocation support available
  
• Eligible for employee referral bonus
  

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Research and Development