Principal Scientist, Pharmacokinetics, Biologics

About the role

MSD's Research & Development division in Boston is looking for a Principal Scientist (director-level equivalent) for its Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB) group. The role leads bioanalytical work for biologics in the drug discovery portfolio, based at the Boston research labs. It covers ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry, with a focus on immunology and oncology, and involves representing PDMB on cross-functional teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead bioanalytical strategies for drug discovery programs focused on biologics (monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics and engineered proteins), delivering high-quality, timely data to project teams.
• Manage a team of lab-based PDMB scientists developing and running ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical strategies.
• Serve as project-team representative and subject matter expert on DMPK activities in oncology and immunology.
• Contribute to the global DMPK strategy by collaborating with Discovery and Early Development teams in Boston, South San Francisco and West Point.
• Represent PDMB on cross-functional teams, designing and evaluating bioanalytical approaches, interpreting PK and PK/PD data sets and communicating internally and at external conferences.

Required profile

• Ph.D. (6+ years of relevant experience) or Master's degree (minimum 10 years of relevant experience) in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering or a related field.
• Record of increasing responsibility and independence in a similar industrial or academic setting.
• Proven management experience, including mentoring and developing multiple direct reports.
• Preferred: hands-on PBPK modeling (Phoenix WinNonlin, Berkeley Madonna, MATLAB), immunology or oncology program experience from early discovery through IND-enabling, and familiarity with engineering strategies to improve protein therapeutics PK/PD.

Required skills

• Leading bioanalytical strategies for biologics, including method development, data generation, interpretation and report writing.
• Analyzing and contextualizing PK, PD, biomarker and immunogenicity data for biologics, drug conjugates and peptides.
• Contributing to translational PK/PD and efficacy relationships in a discovery setting.
• ADME, bioanalysis, bioanalytical method development, ligand binding, PK/PD modeling and drug discovery.

What we offer

• Salary range of $176,200 to $277,300 for the primary location, with eligibility for annual bonus and long-term incentives.
• Benefits including medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverage for employee and family, and retirement benefits.