ViiV Healthcare (GSK) Director, Nonclinical Drug Discovery Modeling and Programming

ViiV Healthcare•Branford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Nonclinical Drug Discovery Modeling and Programming serves as the scientific and strategic lead for Model-Informed Drug Discovery (MIDD) within ViiV Discovery, driving the application of predictive modeling, simulation, and computational tools to inform portfolio decisions across HIV programs. This predominantly discovery-focused role partners closely with DMPK, Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, and Clinical Pharmacology to enable early dose predictions and guide the design and selection of high-quality clinical candidates as rapidly as possible. Leveraging expertise in PBPK, IVIVE, PK/PD, formulation and route-of-administration modeling, the role develops fit-for-purpose modeling approaches and scalable tools that accelerate decision-making from target validation through candidate selection and into early clinical development for multiple modalities (e.g. SM, Biologic, ADC, LNP, PROTACs). The Director is accountable for advancing ViiV's discovery modeling strategy and translating complex ADME, pharmacokinetic, pharmacological, and translational data into actionable insights that improve candidate quality, dose prediction, and development success.

Requirements

MS Degree & 12 years or PhD & 8 plus years of experience (post-graduation) in drug discovery
Advanced computational programming expertise in model scripting languages (e.g., R, Python, or equivalent) and modeling platforms (e.g., SimCYP, GastroPlus, WinNonLin, etc.) to develop modeling and analysis workflows
Development of scalable, reproducible modeling frameworks, including version control, modular code structures, and automated workflows for simulation and data integration
Experience in the application of empirical (e.g. NCA, compartmental modeling) and mechanistic modeling (e.g. PBPK, QSP) approaches to support discovery programs and rapid decisions
Experience integrating diverse datasets (in vitro, in vivo, clinical, omics where applicable) into unified predictive modeling platforms
Application of frequentist, Bayesian, and/or AI/ML approaches (e.g., surrogate modeling, parameter optimization, predictive analytics) to enhance model performance and decision-making
Software/tool evaluation and implementation, including external vendor platforms and internally developed tools, with accountability for scientific rigor and fit-for-purpose use
Ability to interpret and communicate modeling results to senior stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and through reports and literature articles

Nice To Haves

PhD with 12 plus years of drug discovery experience
Experience working across teams, including matrix and functional leadership, and partnering with internal and external experts
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including experience communicating scientific concepts to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Experience in infectious disease and/or immunology therapy areas

Responsibilities

Develop and apply fit-for-purpose mechanistic and translational models (PBPK, IVIVE, PK/PD) to guide design teams toward the highest-quality clinical candidates.
Build scalable computational tools, workflows, and prototypes that accelerate discovery decisions and candidate optimization.
Apply modeling expertise across diverse modalities, formulations, and routes of administration, including long-acting therapies.
Drive innovation through advanced modeling, AI/ML approaches, and emerging external scientific developments.
Establish best practices, standards, and governance for modeling methodologies, tools, and computational workflows.
Translate complex ADME, PK, PD, and translational data into actionable insights for project teams and senior leadership.
Lead cross-functional collaboration across Discovery DMPK, Discovery Pharmaceutics, Clinical Pharmacology, and Nonclinical Safety to enable rapid, data-driven decisions.
Build organizational capability in modeling, simulation, programming, and prototyping through mentoring and scientific leadership.
Represent ViiV externally through scientific publications, regulatory interactions, and thought leadership activities.