Scientist IV, Pharmacology - Contractor

Overview

The Scientist IV Pharmacology Contractor will play a key scientific role in designing, executing, and interpreting preclinical pharmacology studies to support the discovery and development of novel anti-infective therapeutics. This individual will contribute hands‑on scientific expertise across in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, PK/PD, efficacy studies, and data interpretation to support compound advancement from early discovery through preclinical development.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners in microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical development to generate high‑quality pharmacology data that informs project strategy and decision‑making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and pharmacodynamic response of anti‑infective drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, efficacy, PK/PD, and biomarker data to guide compound selection, dose rationale, and project progression.
• Contribute to study design for pharmacokinetic, toxicology, and efficacy models, including selection of appropriate models, endpoints, dosing regimens, controls, and statistical approaches.
• Prepare study protocols, technical reports, data summaries, presentations, and regulatory‑supporting documentation as needed.
• Work closely with internal project teams and external CROs to coordinate study execution, monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and ensure high‑quality deliverables.
• Collaborate with microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical development teams to integrate findings/results into broader drug discovery and development strategies.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely laboratory records and ensure work is conducted in accordance with applicable SOPs, safety requirements, and scientific best practices.
• Review scientific literature and emerging technologies to identify opportunities to improve pharmacology study design, assay performance, and translational relevance.
• Present scientific findings and recommendations to project teams, leadership, and external collaborators as appropriate.
• May mentor junior scientists or research associates, providing technical guidance, scientific feedback, and support for professional development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in microbiology, pharmacology, infectious disease biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or B.S. with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in preclinical pharmacology, preferably within antibacterial, antifungal, or mycobacterial drug discovery and development.
• Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies, including pharmacokinetics, toxicology, efficacy models, PK/PD studies, dose‑response assessments, and biomarker‑supported analyses.
• Working knowledge of drug discovery and preclinical development workflows, including candidate nomination, IND‑enabling study support, and cross‑functional project team interactions.
• Experience coordinating studies with CROs or external collaborators is preferred.
• Strong data analysis, scientific writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot scientific challenges, and deliver high‑quality results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with commonly used data analysis and visualization tools; experience with pharmacokinetic and PK/PD modeling software is a plus.

On occasion, may be asked to work overnight shift or weekend.

Additional Information

The hourly rate for this position is $79 - $102. Individual pay is determined by several factors, which include but are not limited to: job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

DISCLAIMER

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of requirements, duties or responsibilities that are…