Principal Scientist, Pharmacokinetics, Biologics

MSD • Boston, MA

3d • $176,200 - $277,300 • Onsite

About The Position

The PDMB group is seeking a strategic, collaborative Principal Scientist to lead bioanalytical efforts for biologics and other modalities in the drug discovery portfolio. This director-level-equivalent position is based at the company’s research labs in Boston, Massachusetts. The role focuses on bioanalytical strategies using ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry, primarily supporting immunology and oncology programs, with potential contributions to cardiovascular/metabolic, neuroscience, and infectious disease efforts.

The successful candidate will lead a lab-based team and represent PDMB on multidisciplinary project teams. They will design and evaluate bioanalytical approaches, interpret pharmacokinetic and PK/PD data, and communicate findings at internal meetings and external conferences. The role also contributes to global DMPK strategy through collaboration with Discovery and Early Development teams in Boston, South San Francisco, and West Point, supporting efficient identification and optimization of drug candidates.

The position requires a Ph.D. with at least six years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with at least ten years of relevant experience in a relevant scientific field. The candidate should have a record of increasing responsibility and independence in an industrial or academic setting, demonstrated expertise in biologics bioanalysis, and experience managing, mentoring, and developing direct reports. The role offers a salary range of $176,200 to $277,300 for the primary Boston location, with eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive if applicable. The position is regular, includes domestic relocation, permits visa sponsorship, and requires 10% travel.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with at least 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience, in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• A record of increasing responsibility and independence in a similar industrial or academic setting.
• Demonstrated experience leading bioanalytical strategies for biologics, including ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry, method development, data generation, interpretation, and report writing.
• Technical ability to analyze, interpret, and contextualize data describing pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, biomarker, or immunogenicity properties of biologics, drug conjugates, and peptides.
• Experience contributing to development and execution of translational PK/PD/efficacy relationships and other quantitative pharmacology applications in a discovery setting.
• Proven management experience, including mentorship and talent development of multiple direct reports.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and collaborative qualities, with the ability to deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience performing translational PK/PD/efficacy and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) software modeling, such as with Phoenix WinNonlin, Berkeley Madonna, or MATLAB.
• A proven track record supporting immunology- or oncology-based programs, with experience from early discovery through IND-enabling efforts.
• Familiarity with engineering strategies to improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of protein therapeutics.
• Experience working within a research-driven pharmaceutical company.

Responsibilities

• Lead bioanalytical strategies for a portfolio of drug discovery programs, primarily focused on biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, and engineered proteins, providing high-quality and timely data to project teams.
• Manage a team of lab-based PDMB scientists responsible for developing and executing ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical strategies.
• Serve as project-team representative and subject matter expert for multiple-modality DMPK activities in oncology and immunology therapeutic areas.
• Contribute to global DMPK strategy in collaboration with Discovery and Early Development project teams in Boston, South San Francisco, and West Point.
• Represent PDMB on cross-functional teams through strategic design and evaluation of bioanalytical approaches and results.
• Interpret pharmacokinetic and PK/PD data sets and communicate findings at internal meetings and external conferences.
• Contribute to translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic/efficacy relationships and other quantitative pharmacology applications in discovery.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Domestic relocation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal