Scientist I/II, Pre-Clinical Pharmacology

You will design, execute, and interpret in vivo and ex vivo studies to evaluate target biology, pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetics responses, and mechanisms of action, serving as study lead for preclinical research programs. The role combines strong scientific expertise with hands-on laboratory skills, and requires experience in both in vivo pharmacology and immune profiling techniques, particularly flow cytometry. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, help coordinate study execution within our AAALAC-accredited Animal Care Facility, mentor junior team members, and contribute to strategic research planning.

This position will report to the Director, Biology, and may be filled at the Scientist I/II or Senior Scientist level, commensurate with the successful candidate's experience and qualifications

Responsibilities

Study Design and Scientific Leadership

• Design, execute, and independently manage in vivo pharmacology studies supporting target validation, mechanism-of-action investigations, and efficacy assessment.
• Serve as study lead for preclinical studies, coordinating activities across in vivo, biomarker, and discovery research teams.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results to project teams and leadership.
• Identify experimental challenges, troubleshoot technical issues, and propose innovative solutions.
• Contribute to study planning, resource allocation, and prioritization of in vivo activities across multiple programs.

In Vivo Pharmacology

• Perform and oversee complex in vivo studies in mouse models of inflammation, immunology, and oncology.
• Independently perform animal procedures including compound administration (PO, IP, SC; IV a plus), blood collection, necropsy, and tissue harvest.
• Prepare and evaluate dosing formulations and support pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies.
• Ensure study execution adheres to IACUC protocols, animal welfare standards, and company policies.
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend study activities as required by experimental timelines.

Immunology and Ex Vivo Assays

• Design, optimize, and execute multicolor flow cytometry experiments, including panel development, staining, acquisition, quality control, and data analysis.
• Process and analyze blood and tissue samples for immune profiling and biomarker assessment.
• Perform and interpret ex vivo and in vitro assays including cytokine analyses, ELISA/MSD, Western blotting, and related techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement pharmacodynamic endpoints.

Team Leadership and Operational Excellence

• Provide scientific guidance and technical mentorship to Research Associates and junior scientists.
• Help coordinate daily activities within the animal facility to ensure efficient study execution.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, protocols, and study reports.
• Contribute to development and implementation of standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Support breeding colony management and other vivarium-related activities as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in immunology, pharmacology, biology, or a related discipline with 0–6 years of post-doctoral academic and/or industry experience; or MS with 5+ years; or BS with 8+ years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Strong foundational understanding of immunology, including innate and adaptive immune responses, immune cell subsets, cytokine biology, and interpretation of immune profiling data from preclinical studies.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing in vivo pharmacology studies in mice.
• Strong expertise in flow cytometry, including panel design, instrument operation, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience with blood and tissue processing, including immune cell isolation.
• Experience with Western blotting, including automated platforms (e.g., Jess).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Onsite presence at least 3 days a week, and willingness to work flexible hours.

Preferred

• Experience in inflammatory disease, immunology, oncology, autoimmune disease research; cardiovascular disease research experience is a plus.
• Experience with cytokine analysis platforms (MSD and ELISA) and qPCR.
• Ability to independently analyze data and communicate scientific findings effectively.
• Experience with spectral flow cytometry and advanced analysis platforms (FlowJo or similar).
• Experience with mouse breeding colony management and genetically engineered mouse models.