Principal Scientist PK/PD

UCB; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work culture

Career development opportunities

Hybrid working model

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is looking for a Principal Scientist in Non-Clinical PKPD to develop essential strategies for drug candidates. The role requires a PhD in pharmacology and expertise in PKPD methods. Candidates will collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead initiatives to predict patient safety and efficacy based on nonclinical studies. The position offers a hybrid work model, allowing employees to work both remotely and at the office in Slough, UK.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of pharmacology related to disease and drug mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience in executing non-clinical PKPD strategies.
• Experience working with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the nonclinical PKPD strategy for projects.
• Translate in vitro data to predict efficacy and safety.
• Engage in collaborations to advance drug candidates.
• Build complex PKPD models to inform decision-making.

Skills

Expertise in PKPD methods

Systems modeling

Collaboration skills

Leadership within matrix environments

R and Monolix proficiency

Education

PhD in pharmacology or related fields

Tools

Phoenix

Berkeley Madonna

Job description

Principal Scientist, Non-Clinical PKPD

We are looking for a Principal Scientist, Non-Clinical PKPD, who is innovative and agile to join us in our Clinical Development Sciences Group, based at the R&D site in Slough, UK, then Windlesham, Surrey (2027).

About The Role

The Non-Clinical PKPD group sits within the Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology (QCP) function of Early Clinical Development & Translational Science (ECD‑TS) Department. Our goal is to use integrated quantitative approaches as an essential strategic driver from target to market to bring differentiated solutions to patients. We are driving the quantitative integrated strategy of pharmacokinetics and pharmacology (e.g. PKPD, Systems modelling and clinical pharmacology/pharmacometrics) together with DMPK activities throughout the entirety of the lifetime of projects, from target identification through to life cycle management.

Who You’ll Work With

We operate and collaborate closely with colleagues in Development Sciences, which, as a department, is responsible for providing strategy and support in bioanalysis, immunogenicity, safety, pathology, and regulatory activities. Work with external partners, academic institutions, CROs and consultants as required.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and drive the nonclinical PKPD strategy for projects. Communicating effectively ensuring implementation in projects.
• Ensure translation from in vitro data and in vivo nonclinical studies to prediction of efficacy and safety in patients.
• Initiate and engage in multifunctional collaborations to facilitate the advancement of drug candidates and build a thorough knowledge of drug pharmacology and PKPD, leading to quantitative translation to the clinic.
• Build PKPD models of sufficient complexity to allow hypothesis testing and inform decision-making.
• Represent the interests of QCP internally and externally in matters relevant to mechanistic PKPD and contribute to enhancing the scientific reputation of Non-Clinical PKPD, QCP and UCB.
• Provide required support and input into regulatory study protocols, reports and summaries, and regulatory submission documents.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline (pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, system biology or related fields).
• Good understanding of pharmacology and pharmacologic processes related to disease and drug mechanisms.
• Expertise and proven application of PKPD methods and concepts in support of drug discovery and development; systems modelling experience would be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing effective non‑clinical PKPD strategies from early discovery through to clinic.
• Demonstrated experience and leadership skills working within a matrix environment with a wide range of internal stakeholders including Non-Clinical Safety, Bioanalysis, Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Medicine.
• Experience in using modelling and simulation packages such as Phoenix, Berkeley Madonna, R and Monolix.

Benefits

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

Hybrid Work

UCB has embraced a hybrid‑first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

EEO Statement

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Contact

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.