MS in Ophthalmology, Vision Science, Pharmacology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience for Scientist role.
PhD in Ophthalmology, Vision Science, Pharmacology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field with 2+ years of industry experience for Senior Scientist/Study Director role.
Hands-on experience in preclinical ophthalmology studies and ocular drug delivery techniques.
Proficiency in ophthalmic imaging technologies such as OCT, FA, and ICGA.
Strong understanding of ocular anatomy, retinal biology, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
Lead preclinical ophthalmology studies as the Study Director.
Design and oversee in vivo studies in rodent and large animal models.
Support business development through scientific proposals and client interactions.
Perform ocular dosing procedures and manage disease model studies.
Interpret ophthalmic imaging and functional assessments, correlating data with histopathology.
Ensure compliance with GLP regulations and maintain data integrity.
Mentor and train junior staff while promoting a culture of scientific excellence.
Benefits
Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with employer contributions.
401(k) Retirement Plan with generous employer matching.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick Leave & Company Holidays.
Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions and Flexible Spending Accounts.
100% Employer-paid Life Insurance and Disability Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources.
Family-friendly benefits including fertility support and maternity resources.
Professional development and career growth opportunities.
Pharmaron is seeking a highly motivated Study Director/Senior Scientist/Scientist to join our 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. This role is responsible for designing, executing, interpreting, and reporting preclinical ophthalmology studies while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scientifically rigorous, and regulatory-compliant services to clients.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership
Serve as the scientific lead for preclinical ophthalmology studies and programs.
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.
Ophthalmic Procedures and Disease Models
Oversee and perform ocular dosing procedures including:
Intravitreal injection
Subretinal injection
Suprachoroidal injection
Intracameral injection
Subconjunctival injection
Topical ocular administration
Systemic administration when applicable
Design and execute studies in anterior and posterior segment disease models, including:
Retinal degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Geographic atrophy (GA)
Diabetic retinopathy
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV)
Glaucoma and ocular hypertension
Corneal disease and wound healing
Dry eye disease
Ocular inflammation and infectious disease models
Imaging, Functional Assessments, and Data Interpretation
Perform, oversee, and interpret ophthalmic imaging and functional assessments including:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Fluorescein Angiography (FA)
Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA)
Fundus Photography
Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy
Specular Microscopy
Anterior Segment Imaging (Anterion or equivalent systems)
Electroretinography (ERG)
Pattern ERG (PERG)
Optokinetic Response (OKR)
Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Assessments
Correlate imaging and functional data with histopathology findings.
Review and interpret ophthalmic endpoints and prepare scientific conclusions and recommendations.
Study Management and Compliance
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 closely with Quality Assurance (QA) to maintain regulatory compliance.
Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) during client audits, regulatory inspections, and QA audits.
Lead root cause investigations, CAPA activities, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with pathology, formulation, bioanalysis, toxicology, molecular biology, and analytical teams to ensure successful study execution.
Support IND-enabling studies and translational research programs.
Contribute scientific expertise to protocol development, publication preparation, and client consultation activities.
Team Leadership
Mentor, train, and supervise scientists, research associates, and technical staff.
Provide technical training on ophthalmic procedures, imaging platforms, disease models, and data interpretation.
Promote a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, quality, and client service.
What We're Looking For
Education
Scientist
MS in Ophthalmology, Vision Science, Pharmacology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant ophthalmology experience.
Senior Scientist / Study Director
PhD in Ophthalmology, Vision Science, Pharmacology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience.
Additional industry experience preferred for senior-level candidates.
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 (rabbit, pig, dog, and/or non-human primate preferred).
Experience with ocular drug delivery techniques including intravitreal, subretinal, suprachoroidal, and intracameral administration.
Strong understanding of ocular anatomy, retinal biology, and translational ophthalmology.
Regulatory Experience
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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 with the 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.
Benefits: As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with significant employer contributions
401(k) Retirement Plan with generous employer matching
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Sick Leave & Company Holidays to support work-life balance
Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions (for eligible plans), plus Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
100% Employer-paid Employee Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mental health resources, and wellness programs
Family-friendly benefits, including fertility support and maternity resources
Professional development and career growth opportunities within a leading global CRO/CDMO
How to Apply:
Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!
