Senior Scientist, Preclinical Ophthalmology

Pharmaron • San Diego, CA

4d • $100 - $115

About The Position

Pharmaron is seeking a motivated Senior Scientist/Study Director to join its Preclinical Ophthalmology team in San Diego, California. The role provides scientific leadership and project management for preclinical ophthalmology programs involving ocular drugs, biologics, gene therapies, cell therapies, and medical devices. The successful candidate will design, execute, interpret, and report GLP and non-GLP studies while ensuring scientifically rigorous, high-quality, and regulatory-compliant services for clients.

The role serves as Study Director for ophthalmology studies and oversees in vivo work in rodent and large-animal models. It involves ocular dosing, disease-model development, ophthalmic imaging and functional assessments, interpretation of results alongside histopathology, and preparation of scientific conclusions and recommendations. The Senior Scientist also prepares and reviews study documentation, supports audits and regulatory inspections, collaborates across scientific teams, and mentors staff.

Pharmaron describes its culture as inclusive and collaborative, emphasizing teamwork, innovation, employee contributions, and client service. The company is a global CRO/CDMO supporting drug discovery, development, and manufacturing.

Requirements

• PhD in Ophthalmology, Vision Science, Pharmacology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field for the Senior Scientist/Study Director level.
• At least 2 years of relevant industry experience for the Senior Scientist/Study Director level.
• Hands-on experience conducting preclinical ophthalmology studies.
• Experience with ophthalmic imaging, including OCT, FA, ICGA, fundus imaging, slit lamp examination, anterior-segment imaging, and specular microscopy.
• Experience interpreting ERG, PERG, OKR, and ocular imaging data.
• Experience with rodent and large-animal ophthalmology models.
• Experience with ocular drug-delivery techniques, including intravitreal, subretinal, suprachoroidal, and intracameral administration.
• Strong understanding of ocular anatomy, retinal biology, and translational ophthalmology.
• Experience serving as a Study Director, Principal Investigator, or lead scientist in GLP and/or regulated studies.
• Working knowledge of FDA, OECD, and GLP regulations.
• Experience supporting audits, inspections, quality systems, and regulatory documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Additional industry experience for senior-level candidates.
• Experience with rabbit, pig, dog, and/or non-human-primate ophthalmology models.
• Experience supporting ophthalmic drug, biologic, gene therapy, cell therapy, and medical-device development programs.
• Experience with IND-enabling efficacy, safety, and toxicology studies.
• Histopathology interpretation experience.
• Experience with image-analysis software and quantitative imaging endpoints.
• Prior CRO experience.
• Strong project-management skills, including managing multiple studies, timelines, budgets, and client deliverables.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with clients and contribute to business growth.
• Strong scientific writing, presentation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as scientific lead and Study Director for GLP and non-GLP preclinical ophthalmology studies.
• Design, coordinate, monitor, and oversee in vivo ophthalmology studies in rodent and large-animal models.
• Lead study design, endpoint selection, model development, and data interpretation.
• Support business development through scientific proposals, study costing, client meetings, and technical presentations.
• Serve as the primary scientific contact for clients during study execution.
• Oversee and perform ocular dosing procedures, including intravitreal, subretinal, suprachoroidal, intracameral, subconjunctival, topical ocular, and applicable systemic administration.
• Design and execute studies in anterior- and posterior-segment disease models, including retinal degeneration, AMD, GA, diabetic retinopathy, CNV, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, corneal disease and wound healing, dry eye, and ocular inflammation and infectious disease.
• Perform, oversee, and interpret ophthalmic imaging and functional assessments, including OCT, FA, ICGA, fundus photography, slit lamp biomicroscopy, specular microscopy, anterior-segment imaging, ERG, PERG, OKR, and IOP assessments.
• Correlate imaging and functional data with histopathology; interpret ophthalmic endpoints and prepare scientific conclusions and recommendations.
• Prepare, review, and approve study protocols, amendments, deviations, change controls, SOPs, and study reports.
• Author final study reports and contributing scientist reports.
• Monitor study conduct for quality, compliance, and data integrity; ensure documentation complies with GLP requirements and ALCOA principles.
• Work with Quality Assurance to maintain regulatory compliance and serve as an SME during client audits, regulatory inspections, and QA audits.
• Lead root-cause investigations, CAPA activities, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with pathology, formulation, bioanalysis, toxicology, molecular biology, and analytical teams.
• Support IND-enabling studies and translational research programs; contribute to protocol development, publications, and client consultation.
• Mentor, train, and supervise scientists, research associates, and technical staff.
• Provide technical training in ophthalmic procedures, imaging platforms, disease models, and data interpretation.
• Promote scientific excellence, innovation, quality, and client service.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with significant employer contributions.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Paid time off, paid sick leave, and company holidays.
• Employer-funded HSA contributions for eligible plans.
• Healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts.
• Employer-paid employee life insurance, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program, mental-health resources, and wellness programs.
• Family-friendly benefits, including fertility support and maternity resources.
• Professional development and career-growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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