Senior Scientist, Transporters and In Vitro Technologies

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

7d • $117,000 - $184,200 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of PDMB (Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics) within our Company's Research Laboratories in West Point, Pennsylvania, is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically accomplished Senior Scientist to join the Transporter Science Group. The Transporter Science Group serves as a center of excellence for the design, execution, and integration of transporter-related in vitro and preclinical studies supporting our Company's portfolio across all stages of drug discovery and development. The group also advances ADME-transporter science through the development and application of innovative in vitro and preclinical models, as well as translational strategies that enhance our ability to quantitatively predict the role of transporters in ADME, drug-drug interactions (DDIs), efficacy, and toxicity across a broad range of therapeutic areas and modalities. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of drug transporters and their influence on drug disposition and DDIs, along with a demonstrated commitment to generating high-quality in vitro transporter data in support of project teams across therapeutic areas. This individual should have strong independent bench-level in vitro expertise, the ability to contribute to complex scientific initiatives, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ability to collaborate effectively in a highly interactive team environment is essential. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with scientists across the DMPK network and with colleagues in Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, Data Science, Clinical Research, and Toxicology to advance discovery and development programs. The successful candidate will also contribute to the evolution of the scientific strategy by developing and implementing novel tools and emerging technologies that improve the translation of in vitro data to quantitatively predict transporter-mediated drug disposition, DDIs, toxicity, and enzyme-transporter interplay.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field such as Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or Biology, with 2–5+ years of relevant experience OR MS or equivalent degree in a relevant field such as those listed above, with 8–10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience conducting in vitro drug transporter studies, including substrate phenotyping and inhibition assays in recombinant cell lines, vesicles, primary hepatocytes, or comparable cell-based systems
• Experience with cell culture, execution of experiments according to established protocols, and design of novel experiments to address challenging scientific questions
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, including proficiency with tools such as GraphPad Prism
• In-depth knowledge of drug transporters and their impact on drug disposition and DDIs
• Understanding of fundamental pharmacokinetic principles, enzyme kinetics, and mechanistic DDIs
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team-based environment
• Ability to work independently with appropriate technical and strategic guidance from a scientific supervisor
• Demonstrated ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing and conducting in vitro transporter kinetic studies, and extrapolating in vitro data to quantitatively predict transporter- mediated drug disposition and DDIs
• Experience applying in vitro data and mechanistic modeling to predict transporter- and enzyme-mediated pharmacokinetics and DDIs
• Working knowledge of ADME science for small molecules, with a strong understanding of drug discovery and development
• Ability to stay current with and critically evaluate ADME- and transporter-related scientific literature and emerging technologies
• Basic understanding of quantitation using radiometric or LC/MS methods

Responsibilities

• Design, execution, and integration of transporter-related in vitro and preclinical studies.
• Advance ADME-transporter science through the development and application of innovative in vitro and preclinical models.
• Generate high-quality in vitro transporter data in support of project teams.
• Contribute to complex scientific initiatives.
• Collaborate with scientists across the DMPK network and with colleagues in Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, Data Science, Clinical Research, and Toxicology.
• Develop and implement novel tools and emerging technologies that improve the translation of in vitro data to quantitatively predict transporter-mediated drug disposition, DDIs, toxicity, and enzyme-transporter interplay.
• Document findings and prepare high-quality reports for regulatory submissions.
• Mentor or guide junior scientists.

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
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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