Associate Scientific Director, Translational Quantitative Pharmacology - full-/part-time

Merck Group; London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare leader in London is hiring an Associate Scientific Director to shape Model Informed Drug Development strategies. The role requires significant experience in pharmacokinetics and the ability to manage projects efficiently. Candidates should possess a PhD and demonstrate expertise in quantitative modeling, particularly in oncological and immunological fields. Excellent communication skills are essential for external and internal presentations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in industry and/or academia.
• Proven track record in modeling and simulation.
• Fluency in English with sound knowledge of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple TQP assignments and projects.
• Develop quantitative mechanism-based PK/PD models.
• Prepare and present documentation for stakeholders.

Skills

Mathematical modeling

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical/Chemical Engineering, Applied Mathematics

Tools

MATLAB/SimBiology

NONMEM

R

Job description

Your role:

As the Associate Scientific Director in Translational Quantitative Pharmacology, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Model Informed Drug Development (MIDD) strategies throughout the R&D lifecycle. You will be responsible for all TQP assignments either executed internally or in collaboration with external TQP related CROs by providing close scientific and technical supervision. You will be expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously and participate in discussions and presentations. You will be responsible for developing quantitative mechanism-based PK/PD models that inform critical decisions from lead optimization to clinical proof of concept, particularly within the immunology and oncology pipelines. Your role will also involve performing human PK predictions and designing pre-clinical PK/PD experiments to support development efforts. You will interact with project team members, communicate results of model-based analyses and foster a collaborative environment. By implementing innovative modeling and simulation platforms, you will ensure that the right drug is administered to the right patient at the right dosage. Your contributions will extend to preparing and presenting documentation for internal and external stakeholders, enhancing our program strategy and impact.

Who you are:

• You have a minimum of 5 years of experience in industry and/or academia in a relevant field.
• You hold a PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical/Chemical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline, demonstrating a proven track record in modeling and simulation.
• You are fluent in English and possess sound knowledge of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology principles.
• You have hands-on experience in mathematical modeling of pharmacologic effects with mechanism-based models using software such as MATLAB/SimBiology, NONMEM, or R.
• You have applied translational PK/PD modeling and simulation, including QSP models, in research and early clinical development.
• You understand the basic principles of biology and pharmacology, particularly in oncology, immunology, or immuno-oncology.
• You are capable of rapidly assimilating complex biological knowledge and transforming it into multi-scale mathematical models.
• You possess excellent communication skills, enabling you to translate modeling outcomes effectively for research and development projects.