Associate Director, PBPK-PD Translational Modeling, DMPK

GlaxoSmithKline; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

GlaxoSmithKline seeks an Associate Director to lead PBPK-PD translational modelling for oligonucleotide therapeutics and ADCs. You will translate in vitro and preclinical data into tissue exposure predictions, target engagement, and pharmacological effects in patients, with QSP and AI-enabled approaches integrated into discovery and development decisions.

You will collaborate with Discovery, Biology, Chemistry, Toxicology, Bioanalysis and Clinical Pharmacology to embed model‑informed drug

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant quantitative discipline as detailed in the Basic Qualifications.
• Strong experience developing mechanistic PBPK and/or PK‑PD models in an industry or equivalent research setting.
• Demonstrated ability to apply AI/Tech‑enabled modeling frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Translational PBPK‑PD modeling for Biologic Modalities.
• Building, qualifying and applying mechanistic whole‑body PBPK‑PD models for siRNA, ASO and conjugated oligonucleotides.
• Delivering human efficacious dose projections and translating preclinical PK/PD into clinical dose, regimen and duration.

Skills

AI

Computational Sciences

Data Analysis

Data Modeling

Data Science

Predictive Modeling

Education

PhD in pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical or biomedical engineering, systems pharmacology, applied mathematics, statistics or a closely related quantitative discipline

Tools

Simcyp

SimBiology

MATLAB

Job description

Associate Director, PBPK-PD Translational Modeling, DMPK Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) | Research & Development GSK. Closing Date: 1st September 2026 (COB)

Business Introduction

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting‑edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Our approach to R&D

For candidates seeking to be located at our Stevenage site, this role will temporarily be based at Stevenage. However, the Company plans to relocate its offices to Cambridge, UK. The location of this role will therefore subsequently change to Cambridge, UK in accordance with timelines to be set by the Company. The relocation is currently proposed to take effect by early 2029.

Position Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a scientifically ambitious Associate Director to join the PBPK-PD Translational Modeling group within DMPK. The role focuses on developing and applying mechanistic PBPK-PD models for oligonucleotide therapeutics and antibody‑drug conjugates, translating in vitro and preclinical data into predictions of tissue exposure, target engagement, and pharmacological effects in patients. Experience in T‑cell and myeloid cell engager modelling is advantageous. You will provide PBPK-PD expertise to support target validation, modality selection, human dose prediction, and PK/PD strategies from early discovery through first‑in‑human studies. The role also involves integrating PBPK‑PD, QSP, and AI‑enabled modelling approaches to drive data‑informed candidate selection and development decisions.

Working arrangement

This role is offered on a hybrid basis (UK or US), with an expectation of typically 2 to 3 days per week on‑site and flexibility according to business needs and local policy.

Responsibilities

• Translational PBPK‑PD modeling for Biologic Modalities
• Building, qualifying and applying mechanistic whole‑body PBPK‑PD models for siRNA, ASO and conjugated oligonucleotides
• Building and applying ADC PBPK models integrating antibody disposition, target expression and internalization, DAR distribution and deconjugation, linker stability, payload release and intratumoral penetration including bystander effects
• Delivering human efficacious dose projections — translating preclinical PK/PD into clinical dose, regimen and duration with explicit treatment of uncertainty and driving assumptions
• Defining project‑level PK/PD modeling strategies and articulating them to project teams and governance bodies
• Creating opportunities to apply integrated PBPK‑PD and QSP approaches earlier in discovery
• Partnering with Discovery, Biology, Chemistry, Toxicology, Bioanalysis and Clinical Pharmacology to embed model‑informed drug discovery and development (MID3) into the standard progression path and define quantitative candidate selection criteria
• Applying AI/Tech‑enabled modeling frameworks is essential to this role
• Engaging line and middle management, project teams and external partners at functional, strategic and tactical level, and representing DMPK modeling at internal forums and project team meetings
• Promoting external credibility through peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical or biomedical engineering, systems pharmacology, applied mathematics, statistics or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Strong experience developing and applying mechanistic PBPK and/or PK‑PD models in an industry or equivalent research setting, with verifiable proficiency in PBPK and systems modeling platforms (e.g. Simcyp, SimBiology/MATLAB, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience delivering human PK and efficacious dose predictions and translational PK/PD assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to apply AI/Tech‑enabled modeling frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience modeling oligonucleotide and antibody‑drug conjugates or other bioconjugates
• Track record of implementing MID3 approaches to accelerate progression of novel therapeutics and to strengthen the quality of portfolio decisions
• Demonstrated aptitude for productive collaboration in a multi‑disciplinary matrix team, with effective communication and personal accountability for timely delivery

Skills

• Artificial Intelligence (AI),
• Computational Sciences,
• Computer Programming,
• Data Analysis,
• Data Management,
• Data Modeling,
• Data Science,
• Predictive Modeling,
• Statistical Models

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale. People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people. GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at [e-mail] where you can also request a call. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive