Associate Principal Scientist, Pharmacokinetics

1000 Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Job summary

MSD in West Point, PA is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist for the DMPK group within the PDMB function. You will lead translational DMPK efforts, assess DDI risk with PBPK, and collaborate across disciplines to advance small molecules and biologics.

The role requires 8+ years (PhD) or 5+ years (PhD) of industry experience, strong leadership, and skills in PK/PD modeling, LC‑MS, and regulatory document support. Hybrid work arrangement offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field.
• 8+ years relevant experience in discovery and development of therapeutics across modalities (PhD: 5+ years).
• Experience integrating preclinical DMPK with pharmacology for translational modeling.
• Experience authoring IB/IND/WMA filings and cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and interpret in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses to support DMPK–guided drug discovery and development.
• Assess DDI risk using PBPK or static mechanistic models and advise on DDI strategy for clinical development.
• Author source reports and regulatory submission documents; contribute to program risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive scientific development and timely decision making.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to publications when appropriate.

Skills

Bioanalytical Techniques

Cell-Based Assays

Clinical Development

DMPK

Drug Development

Flow Cytometry

Immunoassays

LC-MS

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in relevant fields

Tools

Phoenix

PBPK modeling software (SimCYP)

Job description

Job Description

The Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics (PDMB) function of our Research & Development Division in West Point, Pennsylvania, is seeking a dynamic and collaborative scientist for the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group. The Associate Principal Scientist will be a key contributor to multi-disciplinary drug development and discovery efforts providing an integrated understanding of DMPK properties, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and drug interaction (DDI) risk of novel therapeutics.

The key responsibilities will be to work within teams of highly collaborative, cross‑functional scientists to contribute to the discovery and clinical development of therapeutics across various modalities. The Associate Principal Scientist will guide the design and interpretation of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses to support the discovery of therapeutics with the desired DMPK profile. They will assess DDI risk using static mechanistic and/or physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models and guide clinical development teams on DDI strategy. They will author source reports and documents in support of regulatory filings. They will evaluate and predict potential program risks, while implementing appropriate strategies to address liabilities to ensure efficient program progression and decision making.

The ideal candidate must be able to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment, drive scientific development and innovation, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience supporting both small molecule and biologics programs is desired.

Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement: B.S., Master’s degree, or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or relevant fields.

Required Experience and Skills: B.S. or Master’s degree with 8+ years relevant experience, or Ph.D. with 5+ years of industry experience in a relevant field with a focus on discovery and development of therapeutics of various modalities. Experienced in integrating preclinical DMPK and pharmacology to enable translational modeling and simulation to support dose selection, design of PK/PD and safety assessment studies, and dose justifications for preclinical and clinical studies. Experience in assessing the impact of various factors on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of novel therapeutics and communicating analyses and recommendations to interdisciplinary teams and management. Experience with authoring documents in support of IB, IND, WMA filings, and responses to regulatory inquiries. Demonstrated track record as an effective collaborator on multi-disciplinary discovery and development teams. Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem solving, and collaboration skills, while delivering results on firm deadlines.

Preferred Experience and Skills: Strong publication track record. Experience building models and performing analyses using Phoenix and PBPK modeling software (e.g., SimCYP). Experience mentoring or supervising junior staff.

Required Skills: Bioanalytical Techniques, Cell-Based Assays, Clinical Development, DMPK, Drug Development, Flow Cytometry, Immunoassays, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS).

Location & Compensation

The primary location for this posting is: USA - Pennsylvania - West Point. Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below. The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $142,400.00 - $224,100.00. This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Employment Policies & Equal Opportunity Statements

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Full details are available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic/International VISA Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): NA

Job Posting End Date: 11/16/2026

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.