Senior Scientist, Preclinical Ophthalmology

Pharmaron • San Diego, CA

2d • $100 - $125

About The Position

Pharmaron is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist/Study Director/Scientist to join its Preclinical Ophthalmology team. The successful candidate will serve as a Study Director for GLP and non-GLP ophthalmology studies and provide scientific leadership and project management for ocular drug, biologic, gene therapy, cell therapy, and medical device development programs. The role involves designing, executing, interpreting, and reporting preclinical ophthalmology studies while ensuring high-quality, scientifically rigorous, and regulatory-compliant services to clients.

The Senior Scientist will lead preclinical ophthalmology studies and programs, oversee in vivo studies in rodent and large animal models, and provide expertise in ocular procedures, disease models, ophthalmic imaging, and functional assessments. The role also includes client contact and business development support, study management and regulatory compliance, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring and training scientific staff.

Requirements

• PhD in Ophthalmology, Vision Science, Pharmacology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with a minimum of 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 with ERG, PERG, OKR, and ocular imaging data interpretation.
• 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 and ability to manage 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 the scientific lead for preclinical ophthalmology studies and programs, and act as Study Director for GLP and non-GLP ophthalmology studies.
• Design, coordinate, monitor, and oversee in vivo ophthalmology studies in rodent and large animal models.
• Provide scientific leadership in study design, endpoint selection, model development, and data interpretation.
• Support business development activities, scientific proposals, study costing, client meetings, and technical presentations.
• Serve as the primary scientific contact for clients throughout 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, geographic atrophy, diabetic retinopathy, CNV, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, corneal disease and wound healing, dry eye disease, 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 findings; review 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 to ensure 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 a subject matter expert 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 scientific expertise to protocol development, publication preparation, and client consultation activities.
• Mentor, train, and supervise scientists, research associates, and technical staff, including providing technical training on 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 generous employer matching.
• Paid time off, paid sick leave, and company holidays.
• Employer-funded HSA contributions for eligible plans, plus healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• 100% 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