Senior Scientist II / Associate Principal Scientist – DMPK

Vernalis (R&D) Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension contributions

Private healthcare cover

26 days annual leave

Flexitime

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Vernalis (R&D) Limited is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist II / Associate Principal Scientist in DMPK to support small molecule discovery in our Cambridge labs. You will design in vitro ADME studies and interpret data to guide compound optimisation. This is a hands-on, lab-based role requiring strong experience in DMPK and excellent communication skills across project teams.

Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension and private healthcare.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience in small molecule discovery DMPK.
• In vitro ADME assay execution and interpretation.
• Proven ability to integrate data and inform project decisions.

Responsibilities

• Design and interpret in vitro ADME studies.
• Develop and apply LC-MS/MS analytical methods.
• Oversee in vivo studies via CROs.

Skills

Hands-on experimental capability

Data analysis and scientific interpretation

Communication across multidisciplinary teams

Time management skills

Leadership and mentoring

Education

PhD (or equivalent) in relevant field

Tools

LC-MS/MS

Job description

Permanent

About Vernalis

Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in multiple hit-ID technologies and structure-based drug discovery. Our scientists develop and apply lead generation and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and have generated cell active compounds and development candidates against targets in multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.

The Role – Job summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist II / Associate Principal Scientist (dependent on experience) in DMPK to support our small molecule discovery programs. This is a lab-based, hands-on role covering the full spectrum of discovery DMPK, including in vitro ADME assays, metabolite identification (MetID), and the design, bioanalysis and interpretation of in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies. As part of an organisation of ~70 scientists, you will play a key role in generating high-quality experimental data and translating DMPK insights to guide compound optimisation and candidate selection. You will work closely on multiple projects with medicinal chemistry and biology teams both at Vernalis and with our collaborators, as well as manage and direct work carried out at external CROs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro ADME studies
• Develop, optimise, and apply LC-MS/MS analytical methods to support in vitro and in vivo studies
• Design and oversee in vivo studies via CROs, including study design, dose selection, and sampling strategy
• Perform pharmacokinetic analysis and data interpretation
• Conduct and lead metabolite identification studies (MetID) with structural elucidation to inform medicinal chemistry design
• Maintain and develop internal DMPK laboratory capabilities and workflows
• Identify and mitigate key DMPK risks
• Contribute to multidisciplinary project teams and decision-making

Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

• Strong hands-on experience in small molecule discovery DMPK
• In vitro ADME assay execution and interpretation
• LC-MS/MS use and troubleshooting ability
• Design and interpretation of in vivo PK studies
• Proven ability to integrate data and inform project decisions

Desirable:

• Familiarity with PK/PD modelling tools
• Metabolite identification (MetID)
• Aseptic cell culture technique
• Ability to design project-specific screening cascades to reflect current needs
• Experience supporting decision making for candidate selection
• Experience working with external collaborators and CROs

Skills and competencies

Essential:

• Strong hands-on experimental capability and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent data analysis and scientific interpretation
• Ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights
• Effective communication across multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• Ability to balance lab work with project delivery
• Ability to influence project direction

Desirable:

• Leadership and mentoring experience
• Demonstratable ability to innovate in the speciality of DMPK

Education & Qualifications

Essential:

• PhD (or equivalent) in relevant field and several years of DMPK experience in a professional drug discovery related setting

Why Vernalis?

At Vernalis you will be part of "One Team" working in a friendly and collaborative office.

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including generous pension contributions, private healthcare cover, 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme, flexitime, discretionary bonus, employee assistance programme and enhanced family leave policies.

Vernalis Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.