Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Scientist

Orion Pharma; Turku; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Pharma is seeking a Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Scientist to advance discovery and translational sciences in Turku, Finland. You will design and interpret preclinical PK, PK/PD and TK studies, collaborate with DMPK, pharmacology and CROs, and mentor junior staff in a lab-driven, problem-solving environment.

Join the VivoScience unit to contribute to immuno-oncology, ADCs, and other therapy areas through hands-on experiments and data-driven decision making, while developing workflows and

Qualifications

• PhD or PharmD or MSc with relevant PK/drug metabolism experience as stated.
• Excellent scientific writing, documentation and presentation skills.
• Ability to independently design, conduct, analyze and report in vivo PK/PKPD/TK studies.
• English communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, analyse, interpret, and report preclinical PK, PK/PD and TK studies.
• Evaluate ADME properties and pharmacokinetic characteristics of drug candidates.
• Act as DMPK subject matter expert in multidisciplinary projects.
• Oversee in vivo PK studies conducted at external laboratories and CROs.
• Prepare study protocols, reports, and DMPK contributions to regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with DMPK, pharmacology, bioanalytics, and project teams.
• Drive development of DMPK research technologies and data analysis approaches.
• Contribute to digitalization and automation initiatives in data flow.

Skills

Scientific writing

Collaborative work

English communication

Regulatory awareness

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Biomedical Sciences/Biochemistry

MSc with 4–5 years relevant PK/pharmacology experience

Job description

Job Description

Your role

Are you passionate about advancing science and making a meaningful impact on patients' lives? We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Scientist to support discovery and optimization of innovative drug candidates. In this laboratory-based role, you will be providing expertise in pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacology, drug metabolism and translational sciences. You will design, execute and interpret preclinical PK, PK/PD and toxicokinetic (TK) studies and generate data that guide decision-making from early discovery through translational and early clinical development. You will be part of VivoScience unit within the Integrated DMPK & Safety division at Orion Pharma's R&D organization in Turku, Finland. As a DMPK expert, you will provide scientific input to multidisciplinary project teams, collaborate with external partners and CROs, and contribute to the continuous development of DMPK research technologies and workflows. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist who enjoys combining hands‑on experimental work with scientific problem‑solving in a collaborative research environment and wants to contribute to the development of future medicines.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, analyse, interpret, and report preclinical PK, PK/PD and TK studies in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate the ADME properties and pharmacokinetic characteristics of drug candidates, including small molecules, antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and cell therapies.
• Act as the DMPK subject matter expert in multidisciplinary research projects in drug discovery.
• Support Orion's key research areas, including immuno‑oncology, antibody-drug conjugates, cancer genomics, pain and inflammatory diseases.
• Design, monitor and oversee in vivo PK studies conducted at external laboratories and CRO partners.
• Prepare study protocols, reports, scientific documentation and DMPK-related contributions to regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues e.g. in DMPK, pharmacology, bioanalytics, and project teams to implement study plans, interpret data and contribute to project strategies.
• Drive the maintenance and continuous development of DMPK research technologies, methodologies and data analysis approaches.
• Contribute to digitalization and automation initiatives that improve data flow and streamline analysis processes.
• Supervise and mentor research associates and provide scientific support in laboratory activities.

What you can expect from us

At Orion Pharma, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of patient therapies. We offer:

• A chance to contribute to cutting‑edge research in a company with a highly promising R&D pipeline.
• A supportive environment that values your strengths and encourages professional growth.
• Career development opportunities tailored to your expertise and aspirations.
• A collaborative and enthusiastic workplace culture built on mutual respect, continuous learning, and trust.
• Hybrid working opportunities in accordance with Orion Pharma's policy.

At Orion, your work creates true impact and well‑being for our customers, patients and society at large. Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with the following qualifications and competencies:

• PhD or PharmD in Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or other relevant discipline; alternatively, an MSc with a minimum of 4–5 years of relevant experience in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism or pharmacology.
• Authorization to design animal studies for scientific purposes and hands‑on experience in conducting in vivo studies.
• Motivation to develop scientific expertise in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, ADME, PK/PD relationships and translational pharmacology.
• Ability to independently design, conduct, analyse and report in vivo PK, PK/PD and TK studies, including preparation of study protocols and reports.
• Excellent scientific writing, documentation and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and to communicate scientific information clearly in English.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability, scientific curiosity, ability to manage priorities, and a proactive approach to developing innovative solutions.

Considered an advantage

• Experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry drug discovery and/or development.
• Experience with biologics, antibodies, ADCs or cell therapies.
• Good understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to preclinical drug development.
• Experience with pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation approaches.
• Experience working with CROs and managing outsourced studies.
• Experience implementing new technologies, digitalisation or automation solutions in DMPK research.

Your new team

Orion’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ over 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham and Cambridge in the UK, and in Cambridge, MA, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas.

The VivoScience unit, located in Turku and part of the Integrated DMPK & Safety department, plays a key role in this mission. Our team provides expertise in pharmacokinetics, histology, digital pathology and toxicologic pathology, supporting drug discovery and development across Orion’s strategic therapy areas, including oncology and pain. Through close collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams, we help generate the scientific insights that drive candidate selection, development decisions and future medicines.

About us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well‑being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.