Senior/Principal Scientist, MPN Biology, Translational Sciences
Job summary:
PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) biologist to join our Translational Sciences team as a Senior or Principal Scientist. PEC is a leader in the MPN field, and in this role you will contribute to the development of first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics, including cytokines, antibodies, antibody-drug-conjugates, cell-based therapies and small molecules. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, execution, and interpretation of cell-based, in vivo pharmacology, translational biomarker and mechanism of action (MOA) studies to drive novel MPN therapeutics from project conception to late discovery and into first in human clinical trials. In this position, you will utilize your expertise in MPN stem cell biology, driver mutation signaling pathways, in vivo MPN mouse models and biomarker discovery to guide proof-of-concept (POC) studies, drug development and biomarker strategies, optimize dosing regimens, and ensure the safety and efficacy of investigational drugs. You will also contribute to translational activities aimed at maximizing the potential of BESREMI, PharmaEssentia's marketed drug for the treatment of MPNs. These efforts include indication expansion, novel combinations, and refining/improving biomarker approaches to guide dosing and patient selection. Additionally, you will provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration within the Translational Sciences team and across other departments.
Summary of Key Responsibilities:
• Study Design and Execution: Lead the design, planning, and execution of POC and translational studies in healthy and MPN mouse models and primary human cellular and tissue systems to generate comprehensive pharmacology and biomarker data packages including MOA and differentiation from competitor programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with discovery and development goals as well as regulatory requirements.
• Further Exploration of BESREMi: Collaborate with clinical development team to further explore the potential of BESREMi in MPN and other areas of hematology. Conduct translational studies internally and be involved in investigator-initiated trials (IITs) or company sponsored clinical trials to maximize the clinical potential of BESREMi.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Oversee the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology/translational biomarker data, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, exposure-response relationships, and safety/tolerability profiles. Provide scientific insights to inform decision-making and optimize study outcomes.
• Drug Development Strategy: Contribute to the development and implementation of clinical pharmacology strategies to support the progression of investigational drugs through early clinical development. Generate scientific rationale for dose selection, formulation optimization, and therapeutic target validation.
• Regulatory Interaction: Work with regulatory affairs to support the preparation and review of regulatory submissions, including investigational new drug (IND) applications, new drug applications (NDAs), and marketing authorization applications (MAAs). Address inquiries and provide scientific justifications for study designs, endpoints, and data analyses.
• Scientific Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert in MPN pathogenesis, ex vivo and in vivo disease models, translational biomarkers, target biology and candidate therapeutic MOA, providing guidance and mentorship to junior scientists, clinicians, and project teams. Contribute to the scientific literature through publications, presentations, and participation in professional conferences and working groups.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with colleagues in data sciences, biologics, immunology/pharmacology, clinical development, and regulatory affairs to integrate pharmacology, translational biomarker and MOA insights into overall drug development strategies. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in hematology, oncology, immunology, immuno-oncology, or a related discipline.
• 3+ (for senior scientist) or 8+ (for principal scientist) years' experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, including a proven track record of leadership and scientific achievement in MPN research and drug discovery.
• Expertise in MPN in vivo model design and biomarker discovery, both internally and via contract research organizations and academic collaborations.
• Experience with MPN-relevant primary human cellular/tissue-based assays to guide/inform indication selection, biomarker discovery and mechanism of action.
• Extensive experience in hematological malignancies and associated targets and in vitro and in vivo models is preferred.
• Experience in clinical trial design and/or clinical operations in either company-sponsored, or IIT clinical trials is strongly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic software (e.g., NONMEM, Phoenix WinNonlin, R) is desirable.
• Experience working closely with academic collaborators via sponsored research agreements or IITs is preferred.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including the ability to mentor and develop talent, foster teamwork, and drive results in a dynamic environment.
Summary:
As a Senior/Principal Scientist in MPN Biology in Translational Sciences, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of drug pharmacology and contributing to the development of innovative therapeutics to address unmet medical needs. Your scientific expertise, leadership skills, and collaborative approach will be critical for driving drug development programs forward and ultimately improving patient outcomes at PIRC.
At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.
https://us.pharmaessentia.com/careers/
