Senior Principal Scientist Pharmacology
About The Position
The Senior Principal Scientist & SIS Scientific Lead is a senior scientific role within Scientific & In Vivo Strategies (SIS), responsible for driving identification and enablement of 3Rs innovation opportunities in the discovery and preclinical portfolio, including new approach methodologies (NAMs). The role operates within the enterprise 3Rs framework and aligns with Discovery, Product Development & Supply (DPDS), Preclinical Safety and Translational Sciences (PSTS), and SIS strategic priorities. It brings deep NAMs expertise—including refined in vivo, ex vivo, complex in vitro models (CIVMs), microphysiological systems (MPS), organoids, and/or in silico approaches—to strengthen discovery and preclinical assessment, improve preclinical-to-clinical translatability, and advance 3Rs objectives. The role serves as a NAMs subject-matter expert for SIS, DPDS, and Therapeutic Area stakeholders, identifying and evaluating internal and external NAM opportunities through portfolio-relevant, translational, and regulatory-aligned perspectives. The position is available in Beerse, Belgium, or Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States. Domestic and international travel may be required, up to 10%. The role may also include other duties and matrix management of team members as assigned.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, toxicology, systems biology, or a related discipline, with a concentration in Oncology.
- At least 5 years of postdoctoral experience, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting, focused on NAM-related platform development such as CIVMs or MPS within oncology R&D.
- Understanding of pharmaceutical R&D governance frameworks.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
- Oncology therapeutic-area expertise or experience.
- Demonstrated expertise integrating models across the NAMs landscape, such as ex vivo, in vitro/CIVM/MPS, in chemico, and/or in silico approaches, to enable advanced physiological and pathophysiological relevance at scale.
- Demonstrated expertise applying human-relevant models in drug discovery and/or preclinical research.
- Track record of scientific innovation or publication in a NAMs-relevant field.
- Ability to critically assess emerging technologies and platforms in the context of pharmaceutical R&D needs and the global regulatory landscape, and to clearly communicate implications to stakeholders.
- Expertise in basic pharmacology concepts and experience with relevant data-analysis best practices and software/tools.
- Demonstrated leadership in drafting scientific publications, internal reports, and/or technical presentations.
- People and research project management experience.
- Effectiveness working with cross-functional scientific and data science stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment.
- Experience interfacing with external technology developers and/or academic collaborators.
Nice To Haves
- Experience managing and implementing organizational change.
- General awareness of nonclinical safety and drug development concepts.
- Familiarity with global regulatory agency considerations relevant to NAM acceptance.
Responsibilities
- Engage with fellow SIS Scientific Leads and stakeholders to identify and evaluate ex vivo, in vitro, and in silico NAM opportunities relevant to discovery and development programs.
- Provide subject-matter expert guidance on the applicability, strengths, limitations, and readiness of NAMs for specific diseases, modalities, and contexts of use.
- Drive relevant incorporation of NAMs into program strategies, aligned with portfolio goals, scientific rigor, and the enterprise 3Rs innovation framework.
- Monitor external NAM developments, including academic advances, emerging platforms, and biotech innovations.
- Evaluate external NAM developments for scientific maturity, translational relevance, and evolving global regulatory perspectives, including FDA, EMA, and ICH.
- Translate external and regulatory signals into balanced scientific insights that inform current NAM integration opportunities and anticipate future needs.
- Work with SIS Scientific Leads and internal functional and therapeutic-area teams to assess existing NAM capabilities and gaps relative to portfolio needs and regulatory expectations.
- Inform prioritization of NAM development, evaluation, and validation efforts based on scientific value, feasibility, and anticipated regulatory acceptance.
- Support development of internal guidance for consistent and confident application of NAMs.
- Serve as a scientific thought partner to project teams to encourage consideration of 3Rs innovation and NAM-enabled approaches.
- Contribute to internal scientific reviews, forums, and working groups focused on 3Rs and NAMs innovation.
- Support external scientific publications and presentations, as well as internal communications, to strengthen credibility and understanding of NAM-based strategies.
- Perform other duties and matrix-manage team members as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
