Scientist IV, Pharmacology - Contractor

System One, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

System One is seeking a Scientist IV, Pharmacology to lead preclinical pharmacology efforts in antimicrobial drug discovery. This onsite contract role in San Diego requires designing and interpreting in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, PK/PD analyses, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or equivalent with 5+ years of industry experience in preclinical pharmacology, strong data analysis and scientific communication skills, and the ability to deliver

Qualifications

• Strong data analysis, scientific writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience coordinating studies with CROs or external collaborators is preferred.
• Preclinical pharmacology background in antibacterial/antifungal/mycobacterial drug discovery is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and pharmacodynamic response of anti-infective drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, efficacy, PK/PD, and biomarker data to guide compound selection, dose rationale, and project progression.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external CROs to coordinate study execution and ensure high-quality deliverables.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Troubleshooting

Education

PhD or equivalent

MS with 8+ years

BS with 10+ years

Tools

PK/PD modeling software

Job description

Job Title: Scientist IV, Pharmacology - Contractor

Location: San Diego, CA

Type: Contract

Compensation: $79.00 - $102.00 per hour

Work Model: Onsite – onsite

Hours: 40.0

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and pharmacodynamic response of anti-infective drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, efficacy, PK/PD, and biomarker data to guide compound selection, dose rationale, and project progression.
• Contribute to study design for pharmacokinetic, toxicology, and efficacy models, including selection of appropriate models, endpoints, dosing regimens, controls, and statistical approaches.
• Prepare study protocols, technical reports, data summaries, presentations, and regulatory-supporting documentation as needed.
• Work closely with internal project teams and external CROs to coordinate study execution, monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Collaborate with microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical development teams to integrate findings/results into broader drug discovery and development strategies.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely laboratory records and ensure work is conducted in accordance with applicable SOPs, safety requirements, and scientific best practices.
• Review scientific literature and emerging technologies to identify opportunities to improve pharmacology study design, assay performance, and translational relevance.
• Present scientific findings and recommendations to project teams, leadership, and external collaborators as appropriate.
• May mentor junior scientists or research associates, providing technical guidance, scientific feedback, and support for professional development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in microbiology, pharmacology, infectious disease biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or B.S. with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in preclinical pharmacology, preferably within antibacterial, antifungal, or mycobacterial drug discovery and development.
• Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies, including pharmacokinetics, toxicology, efficacy models, PK/PD studies, dose-response assessments, and biomarker-supported analyses.
• Working knowledge of drug discovery and preclinical development workflows, including candidate nomination, IND-enabling study support, and cross-functional project team interactions.
• Experience coordinating studies with CROs or external collaborators is preferred.
• Strong data analysis, scientific writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot scientific challenges, and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with commonly used data analysis and visualization tools; experience with pharmacokinetic and PK/PD modeling software is a plus.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

#LI- Ref: #568-Clinical