Principal Scientist, Translational Quantitative Pharmacology

Merck•Billerica, MA

About The Position

The Principal Scientist, Translational Quantitative Pharmacology (TQP) position within Quantitative Pharmacology, part of the broader Clinical Measurement Sciences organization, is a scientific and cross-functional role. This role is responsible for developing and executing Model Informed Drug Development (MIDD) strategies, with a deep focus on developing quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) platform models across the R&D lifecycle. The position will oversee all TQP assignments, whether executed internally or in collaboration with external TQP CROs, by providing close scientific and technical supervision. The incumbent is expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously, participate in discussions and presentations, and communicate TQP-related science and strategies to all interfacing disciplines at project and non-project levels. Additionally, the role involves helping to develop modeling toolboxes to assist project teams in making quantitative decisions. This position reports to the Global Head of Translational Quantitative Pharmacology.

Requirements

A PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical/Chemical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline.
A minimum of 5 years in industry and/or academia in a relevant background with proven track record of applying modeling and simulation approaches to biological problems.
Position requires both domestic and international travel up to 20% of time.

Nice To Haves

Sound knowledge of the theory and principles of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology plus hands-on competence in mathematical modeling of pharmacologic effects with mechanism-based models using relevant software or programming languages (e.g., MATLAB/SimBiology, NONMEM, R, Monolix).
Experience in applying translational PK/PD M&S including QSP approaches in research and early clinical development to inform confidence in target/ mechanism, dose/ regimen, and combinations.
Knowledge of basic principles of biology and pharmacology at the organismal, cellular and molecular level, preferably in one or more of the following areas: oncology, immuno-oncology, immunology.
Ability to rapidly assimilate knowledge of complex biology of drug action for novel mechanisms and transform such understanding into multi-scale mathematical models, with requisite mathematical and computational proficiency.
Experience in applying PBPK modeling and simulation using relevant software (e.g., MATLAB, Simcyp, GastroPlus) is a plus.
Ability to mentor, educate and explain modeling concepts and approaches to colleagues within QP/CMS and the larger organization.
Flexibility and keen pursuit of innovation throughout all phases of the drug discovery and development process.
A desire to develop and grow by way of taking responsibility and engaging in additional tasks and operations.
Ability to work independently and deliver results in a timely manner.
Publications in conference proceedings and peer-reviewed journals is desirable.

Responsibilities

To be an independent contributor in the field of translational quantitative pharmacology to help advance the fundamental science of the field, to help guide, educate, mentor and contribute to the success of the discipline within the company.
To be able to independently develop QSP models that will inform compound progression decisions from lead optimization to clinical proof of concept and beyond for the immunology and oncology pipelines for all modalities of interest.
Responsible for performing human PK predictions and quantitative DDI predictions, the design and analysis of pre-clinical PK/PD experiments and data to support preclinical development, and translational PK/PD analyses to support FIH dose estimates for all modalities of interest.
To develop models or use commercially available software tools to understand and quantify toxicological signals such as cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, dermal, and heme to determine the therapeutic index and help guide project decisions.
To be able to interact with various project team members in a clear and timely manner, understanding the functions of other team members and being able to explain and educate model-based analyses and results to team members from various backgrounds.
Work in a dynamic team with frequent interactions, both within the team and with associated functions, and will be responsible for the development and implementation of innovative modeling and simulation platforms/strategy that ensure that the right drug is administered to the right patient at the right dosage.
As a member of project teams and sub-teams, the incumbent will represent QP and present analysis outcomes to cross-functional teams, at department meetings, project review committees and conferences.
The candidate will contribute to the preparation and presentation of both internal and external documentation (e.g. Investigator’s Brochure, IND, CTD) and program strategy.