Senior Scientist or Scientist - Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK)

St Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 104,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis seeks a Senior Scientist or Scientist to join our drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics group.

This bench‑focused role conducts bioanalytical, in vitro DMPK, and in vivo PK studies to support small‑molecule drug discovery in a collaborative, non‑profit environment. You will design experiments, analyze data, maintain records, and communicate results to the Director and project team.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with LC-MS/MS bioanalysis for small molecules.
• Practical laboratory experience running in vitro DMPK/ADME assays (protein binding, microsomes, hepatocytes, monolayers).
• Direct hands-on experience executing in vivo PK studies (dosing, sampling, tissue collection).
• Working knowledge of preclinical formulation techniques (solutions and suspensions).
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to plan and work independently while collaborating effectively.

Responsibilities

• Perform quantitative LC-MS/MS bioanalysis of small and/or large molecules in biological matrices (plasma, tissues, etc.) from in vitro and in vivo studies to support PK/PD, ADME, and efficacy evaluations (experience with SCIEX instrumentation preferred; non-regulated/discovery BA setting is acceptable).
• Execute in vitro DMPK assays, including plasma protein binding, microsomal stability incubations, hepatocyte metabolism studies, and permeability assessments in cell monolayers.
• Conduct in vivo PK studies, dosing by various standard routes, terminal and non-terminal blood sampling, and organ/tissue collection.
• Develop and/or prepare preclinical formulations by dissolving or suspending test agents for in vivo dosing.
• Analyze data, maintain accurate records (LIMS, lab notebooks, reports), and communicate results to the Director and project team in a fast-paced environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Skills

LC-MS/MS bioanalysis

In vitro DMPK/ADME

In vivo PK studies

Preclinical formulations

Data interpretation & reporting

Attention to detail

Education

BSc in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, PharmSci

Tools

SCIEX instruments

LIMS

Job description

The Senior Scientist or Scientist conducts laboratory-based studies under the general guidance of the Director. Independently designs and executes experiments to support drug discovery and development efforts within the area of expertise. Analyzes and interprets data, refines experimental approaches, and contributes to the communication and reporting of research findings.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on scientist to join our academically-oriented team supporting primarily small-molecule drug discovery and development. This laboratory-based role requires direct execution of bioanalytical, in vitro DMPK, and in vivo PK studies. The successful candidate will have a track record of executing such work directly rather than managing or outsourcing it. This is a bench-focused position emphasizing practical, experimental work across a DMPK-style workflow in an academic, non-profit environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform quantitative LC-MS/MS bioanalysis of small and/or large molecules in biological matrices (plasma, tissues, etc.) from in vitro and in vivo studies to support PK/PD, ADME, and efficacy evaluations (experience with SCIEX instrumentation preferred; non-regulated/discovery BA setting is acceptable).
• Execute in vitro DMPK assays, including plasma protein binding, microsomal stability incubations, hepatocyte metabolism studies, and permeability assessments in cell monolayers.
• Conduct in vivo PK studies, dosing by various standard routes, terminal and non-terminal blood sampling, and organ/tissue collection.
• Develop and/or prepare preclinical formulations by dissolving or suspending test agents for in vivo dosing.
• Analyze data, maintain accurate records (LIMS, lab notebooks, reports), and communicate results to the Director and project team in a fast-paced environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with LC-MS/MS bioanalysis for small molecules.
• Practical laboratory experience running in vitro DMPK/ADME assays (protein binding, microsomes, hepatocytes, monolayers).
• Direct hands-on experience executing in vivo PK studies (dosing, sampling, tissue collection).
• Working knowledge of preclinical formulation techniques (solutions and suspensions).
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to plan and work independently while collaborating effectively.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline is required.

Scientist Minimum Experience:

• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required.
• Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.

Scientist Salary Range: $86,320.00 - $154,960.00

Senior Scientist Minimum Experience:

• Ten (10) years relevant work experience is required.
• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.

Senior Scientist Salary Range: $104,000.00 - $186,160.00

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $104,000 - $186,160 per year for the role of Senior Scientist or Scientist - Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK).

Explore our exceptional benefits !

We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI .

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.