Principal Scientist, Peptide Formulation

MSD • South San Francisco, CA

6d • $176,200 - $277,300 • Onsite

About The Position

The Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) group based in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Principal Scientist with expertise in formulation development and candidate selection of peptides. DPS is a multi-disciplinary research group that provides drug delivery, pre-formulation and formulation support for peptides, biologics and,small molecules at the development and drug discovery interface. Our team is responsible for the characterization of pre-clinical drug candidates' physicochemical properties. We aim to work with partner groups to select candidates with optimal development properties while balancing all other key therapeutic properties. Our research also covers identification of preclinical formulations for pharmacology and toxicology studies and ideally for FIH across a variety of administration routes and modalities (biologics, small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides).
In this exciting role, you will focus on the characterization, early formulation development, developability assessment and delivery approaches for various peptide modalities. Goals include a) early formulation screening and developability assessment as well as b) recommendation of single candidate together with partner functions. Innovation in peptide formulation and drug delivery will be critical. You will serve as a team member and execute lab experiments yourself with minimal supervision. You will generate these key data sets and convey their meaning to the teams you work on and develop strategies to optimize molecules and their formulations. Within DPS you will have the opportunity to contribute to departmental scientific initiatives as an individual contributor and as a technical lead to mentor junior scientists. You will also closely interact with other key functions required for the progression of clinical candidate selection including Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Nonclinical Drug Safety and Drug Product team.
The successful candidate will have expertise in characterizing physicochemical properties of peptide molecules such as oligomer state, fibrillation risk. A demonstrated track record of problem-solving skills and ability to drive innovation (as evidenced by publication, talks, or patents) is highly appreciated.

Requirements

• PhD degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant industrial experience in developing peptide formulations in preclinical or clinical stages.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership/interpersonal skills and motivation to work in a team environment with cross-functional interactions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in pre-clinical /clinical formulation development and physico-chemical characterization of peptides.
• Experience in candidate selection, and developability assessment.
• Additional experience in drug delivery technology.

Responsibilities

• Characterize physicochemical properties of peptide molecules such as oligomer state, fibrillation risk.
• Execute lab experiments yourself with minimal supervision.
• Generate key data sets and convey their meaning to the teams you work on.
• Develop strategies to optimize molecules and their formulations.
• Contribute to departmental scientific initiatives as an individual contributor.
• Serve as a technical lead to mentor junior scientists.
• Closely interact with other key functions required for the progression of clinical candidate selection including Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Nonclinical Drug Safety and Drug Product team.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree