Senior Scientist - In Vivo Pharmacology

MEDICILON USA CORP; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Medicilon USA Corp. seeks an experienced Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology to lead preclinical in vivo studies supporting drug discovery. You will design, execute, interpret data, and communicate with clients, while developing new in vivo models and capabilities.

You will mentor junior scientists and collaborate with US and China teams in a fast-paced CRO environment. Strong oncology model experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in pharmacology/oncology/immunology/biomedical sciences or related field with 3+ years CRO/industry experience, or MS with 6+ years.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Experience with animal models for drug discovery and preclinical development; oncology preferred.
• Experience developing, optimizing, or validating new animal models.
• Strong scientific communication and client-facing skills.
• Ability to mentor junior scientists.

Responsibilities

• Lead in vivo efficacy and DMPK studies from design through execution, data interpretation, and reporting.
• Design study protocols and supervise in vivo procedures and sample collection.
• Analyze data and communicate results to clients and internal teams.
• Manage multiple studies and meet aggressive project timelines.
• Mentor junior researchers and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Ensure documentation in ELN and comply with quality standards.

Skills

In vivo pharmacology

Animal models

Scientific communication

Client management

Mentoring

Data analysis

Study design

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Oncology/Immunology/Biomedical Sciences

MS with 6+ years of experience

Tools

ELN

Job description

Medicilon USA Corp. is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology to lead and execute preclinical in vivo pharmacology studies supporting drug discovery and development programs. This role will be responsible for study design, execution, data interpretation, client communication, and development of new in vivo models and capabilities.

The ideal candidate has strong hands‑on experience with animal models, particularly oncology and emerging therapeutic modalities, and is comfortable working in a fast‑paced CRO environment where scientific quality, timelines, and client communication are equally important. The Senior Scientist will also mentor junior scientists and collaborate closely with Business Development, scientific teams, and Medicilon colleagues in China.

Key Responsibilities

In Vivo Study Leadership & Execution

• Lead in vivo efficacy and DMPK studies from study design through execution, data analysis, interpretation, and final reporting.
• Design study protocols and oversee study conduct, including cell culture, tumor cell inoculation, tumor measurement, dosing, sample collection, and other in vivo procedures as applicable.
• Analyze and interpret study data and clearly communicate results and scientific conclusions to internal teams and clients.
• Manage multiple studies and priorities while maintaining scientific quality and meeting aggressive project timelines.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive study documentation in the electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) and other required systems.

Client & Project Management

• Serve as a scientific point of contact for assigned projects, providing timely study updates and responding to client questions.
• Work closely with project management and scientific teams to identify study risks, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Participate in client meetings and scientific discussions as needed, including study planning, data review, and presentation of results.

Model Development & Scientific Innovation

• Independently design, develop, optimize, and validate new in vivo models based on client needs, market demand, and Business Development requirements.
• Conduct literature reviews and scientific assessments to evaluate new disease models, technologies, and experimental approaches.
• Support the development and validation of models for emerging therapeutic modalities, including biologics, CAR-T, gene therapy, and cell therapy.
• Contribute to expansion of Medicilon USA's in vivo pharmacology service platforms and scientific capabilities.
• Support in vitro and ex vivo studies when needed to complement in vivo programs.

Technical Transfer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support technical transfer, implementation, and validation of protocols and models from Medicilon's Shanghai scientific teams to the US laboratory.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Marketing teams to provide scientific expertise for client discussions, proposals, presentations, and other commercial activities.
• Work cross-functionally with scientists and operational teams in both the US and China to support project execution and capability development.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Provide scientific guidance, training, and mentorship to junior research scientists and research associates.
• Support development of team capabilities, experimental standards, and scientific best practices.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented laboratory environment.

Quality & Compliance

• Perform all activities in accordance with applicable regulations, animal welfare requirements, Medicilon USA Corp. policies, SOPs, and quality standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of study activities and completion of all required training.
• Maintain high standards for scientific integrity, data quality, laboratory safety, and animal welfare.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned based on business and scientific needs.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Oncology, Immunology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry or CRO experience, or MS with 6+ years of relevant experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong hands‑on experience designing and executing in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Demonstrated experience with animal models supporting drug discovery and preclinical development; oncology experience strongly preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with techniques such as cell culture, tumor cell inoculation, dosing, tumor measurement, tissue/sample collection, and data analysis.
• Experience independently designing studies, interpreting results, troubleshooting experiments, and preparing scientific reports or presentations.
• Experience developing, optimizing, or validating new animal models strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of biologics and emerging therapeutic modalities, including cell and gene therapies, is preferred.
• Experience in a CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client projects and deliver high-quality work within defined timelines.
• Strong scientific communication and client‑facing skills, with the ability to explain complex results clearly and effectively.
• Previous experience mentoring or training junior scientific staff preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation and data integrity.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across scientific, commercial, and operational teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, growing organization and taking on additional responsibilities as business needs evolve.
• Willingness to work hands‑on in the laboratory and animal facility as required.