In Vivo Pharmacology Lead — Translational PD & Models

Merck; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 251,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision care

401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join the In Vivo Pharmacology team in South San Francisco. Lead in vivo strategy, develop PD and efficacy models, and establish PK/PD relationships to advance preclinical programs.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in translational pharmacology, model development, and cross-functional leadership, with strong communication skills and onsite work in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Quantitative and translational pharmacology expertise with target occupancy, PK/PD, and translational biomarker concepts.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute in vivo model development and pharmacology strategy for preclinical programs.
• Guide model/assay selection and development using cardiometabolic, renal, or respiratory disease knowledge.
• Develop, validate and characterize relevant in vivo models and assays for target engagement, PK/PD, and efficacy.
• Collaborate with Biology, Med Chem, DMPK, Safety and others to support robust pharmacology strategy.
• Perform rigorous quantitative data analysis and translate results into actionable project insights.
• Communicate complex scientific, technical, and business information to project teams and leadership.
• Maintain thorough experimental documentation and contribute to governance discussions and regulatory submissions.
• Manage CROs and external partners to ensure data quality and timely results.

Skills

Quantitative pharmacology

Translational pharmacology

Target occupancy

PK/PD

In vivo pharmacology

Model development

Study design

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (with 12+ years) / Master's / Ph.D./ PharmD / DVM / MD in Pharmacology or related discipline

Tools

In vivo imaging techniques

Job description

Merck is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join the In Vivo Pharmacology team in South San Francisco. Lead in vivo strategy, develop PD and efficacy models, and establish PK/PD relationships to advance preclinical programs.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in translational pharmacology, model development, and cross-functional leadership, with strong communication skills and onsite work in a collaborative environment.