Associate Scientific Director, Translational Quantitative Pharmacology (TQP)

Merck Group$142K — $215K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical/Chemical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related discipline
  • 5+ years in industry/academia applying modeling and simulation to biological problems
  • Domestic and international travel required (up to 20%)
  • Strong knowledge of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology and mathematical modeling software
  • Experience in translational PK/PD modeling and simulation in early clinical development
  • Understanding of biology and pharmacology, especially in oncology or immunology
  • Ability to mentor and communicate complex concepts effectively

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute Model Informed Drug Development strategies for R&D
  • Manage TQP assignments both internally and with external CROs
  • Perform human PK predictions and analyze pre-clinical PK/PD experiments
  • Develop models for quantifying toxicological signals and guiding project decisions
  • Communicate TQP-related science across teams and project levels
  • Implement innovative modeling platforms to optimize drug administration to patients
  • Prepare internal and external documentation for regulatory submissions

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Additional perquisites based on company policy
Full Job Description
Your Role:

The Associate Scientific Director, Translational Quantitative Pharmacology (TQP) position in Quantitative Pharmacology within the broader Clinical Measurement Sciences organization is a scientific and cross-functional role, responsible for developing and executing Model Informed Drug Development (MIDD) strategies including quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) platform models across the R&D lifecycle.

This position will be responsible for all TQP assignments either executed internally or in collaboration with external TQP related CROs by providing close scientific and technical supervision. The incumbent will be expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously and participate in discussions and presentations.

The role requires the candidate to also communicate TQP related science and strategies to all interfacing disciplines at the project or non-project levels and help develop modeling toolboxes to assist project teams in making quantitative decisions.

This position reports to the Global Head of Translational Quantitative Pharmacology.

Location: Hybrid (3x/week in office) role based in Billerica, MA

Key Accountabilities:
• 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.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 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


Preferred Qualifications:
  • 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 as well
  • 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.


Pay Range for this position: $142,000 - 215,200
The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

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