Scientist IV, Pharmacology - Contractor

Qpex Biopharma, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

Shionogi Inc. in the San Diego area seeks a Scientist IV Pharmacology Contractor to design, execute, and interpret preclinical pharmacology studies across in vitro and in vivo models. You will support anti-infective programs through PK/PD analyses and biomarker work.

You will collaborate with microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical development, prepare technical documents, and mentor junior staff, ensuring high-quality data and translational relevance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or MS with 8+ years; BS with 10+ years.
• Strong background in preclinical pharmacology, especially antibacterial, antifungal, or mycobacterial pipelines.
• Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo studies, PK/PD, and biomarker analyses.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate PK, efficacy, safety, and PD.
• Analyze and interpret pharmacology and toxicology data to guide dose rationale and project progression.
• Collaborate with CROs and internal teams to coordinate study execution and deliver high-quality results.
• Prepare protocols, reports, data summaries, and regulatory-supporting documents.
• Mentor junior scientists and present findings to project teams.

Skills

Preclinical pharmacology

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Presentation skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in microbiology/pharmacology or related

MS with 8+ years experience

BS with 10+ years experience

Tools

PK/PD modeling software

Job description

Overview

The Scientist IV Pharmacology Contractor will play a key scientific role in designing, executing, and interpreting preclinical pharmacology studies to support the discovery and development of novel anti-infective therapeutics. This individual will contribute hands‑on scientific expertise across in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, PK/PD, efficacy studies, and data interpretation to support compound advancement from early discovery through preclinical development.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners in microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical development to generate high‑quality pharmacology data that informs project strategy and decision‑making.

Detailed Description

Essential Duties and 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

On occasion, may be asked to work overnight shift or weekend.

Additional Information

The hourly rate for this position is $79 - $102. Individual pay is determined by several factors, which include but are not limited to: job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

DISCLAIMER

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of requirements, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other requirements, duties and responsibilitiesmay change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEO

Shionogi Inc. is an equal opportunity employer supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment opportunities based on valid job requirements without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, status as a disabled veteran, a recently separated veteran, Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veterans, and Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. It is the policy of Shionogi Inc. to undertake affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements to recruit a diverse pool of protected veteran and individuals with disabilities applicants and to ensure that our employment practices are, in fact, non‑discriminatory.

If you are qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access this website to apply for a vacancy as a result of your disability. You can request accommodations by calling 973-307-3550 or by sending an email to [e-mail].