In Vivo Respiratory Principal Scientist

Role Summary

In Vivo Respiratory Principal Scientist in the Complex Models group within the Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation Biology Unit (RIIBU). Lead design, execution, and reporting of preclinical integrative in vivo/in vitro/ex vivo experiments to support therapeutic area teams and drug discovery projects from target validation through to clinical phases, focusing on targets and translational biology relevant to respiratory diseases such as COPD and IPF/ILD.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and lab/vivarium-based execution of in vivo strategies for the respiratory disease area.
• Contribute to the delivery of Respiratory preclinical efficacy and mechanistic in vivo studies using respiratory models to enable PK/PD and translational biomarker data generation.
• Lead discussions to establish scientific rationale, objectives, endpoints and Go/No-Go decisions for in vivo models and studies, with clear goals and timelines.
• Design, execute, analyze, and present in vivo studies as the In Vivo Leader (IVL) on portfolio projects with input from BL, PL, and Complex Models Leadership Team, applying PK/PD principles.
• Apply robust study design principles, gather input from SMEs and matrix partners prior to endorsement/recommendations for animal studies at ISR and PSB.
• Anticipate challenges and independently resolve technical issues in planning, setup, and execution with minimal guidance.
• Execute lab/vivarium activities to enable sample/tissue acquisition, processing, and analysis to integrate PK/PD and translational biomarker data; utilize ex vivo assays (flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, Luminex, qPCR) as needed.
• Serve as key contact for animal studies, including out-of-hours procedures as required.
• Maintain technical expertise in animal handling, dosing, blood and tissue collection, and measurements of biological/physiological function (e.g., lung function, hemodynamics).
• Familiarity with Federal laws governing animal use (IACUC, AUP) and related governance; operate within severity limits and respond as required.
• Assess animal health and welfare, document findings, and act or seek expert advice when necessary.
• Collaborate with internal matrix partners (BL, PL, RTech) and lead externally conducted animal studies (CRO/academic groups) with monitoring responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate electronic lab records aligned with data integrity standards and safety guidelines.
• Foster innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning; stay current with literature and apply learnings to in vivo strategies.

Qualifications

• Required: BSc in biological sciences with 5+ years of respiratory in vivo experience, or MSc with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years in industry or academia.
• Required: Current knowledge of COPD and IPF/ILD mechanisms and use of in vivo systems to study these diseases.
• Required: Hands-on experience with respiratory animal models, including lung function measurement (e.g., plethysmography, dynamic compliance/resistance, FEV/FVC).
• Required: Lab/vivarium experience in respiratory in vivo models including animal handling, dosing (intranasal and intra-tracheal), tissue necropsy (BAL and lung dissection), and blood sampling.
• Required: Experience with flow cytometry, ELISAs, MSD, Luminex, and qPCR or RNAseq; experience overseeing external animal studies as study monitor; strong scientific writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in biomarker assay development to define PKPD parameters and inform translational research.
• Experience in drug discovery processes within pharma/biotech and knowledge of drug discovery pillars.
• Familiarity with omics platforms (spatial, bulk, single-cell RNA-seq) and advanced imaging technologies.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines related to animal use and compliance requirements.

Education

• Not specified beyond degree requirements in Qualifications.