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 from target validation through to clinical phases. Focus on targets, in vivo models, and translational biology for respiratory diseases such as COPD and IPF/ILD.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design and lab/vivarium-based execution of in vivo strategies for the respiratory disease area.
• Deliver preclinical efficacy and mechanistic in vivo studies using respiratory models to enable PK/PD and translational biomarker data generation.
• Lead discussions to define 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 Biology Leader, Project Leader, and Complex Models Leadership Team.
• Apply robust study design principles, obtain input from SMEs and matrix partners prior to endorsement/recommendations for animal studies at ISR and PSB.
• Anticipate challenges and resolve technical issues in experimental planning, setup, and execution with minimal guidance.
• Execute sample/tissue acquisition, processing, and analysis to integrate PK/PD and translational biomarker data; utilize ex vivo assays (flow cytometry, ELISAs, MSD, Luminex, qPCR) when needed.
• Serve as key contact for animal studies, including out-of-hours procedures as required.
• Maintain technical expertise in animal handling, dosing, blood/tissue collection, and measurements of physiological function (e.g., lung function, hemodynamics).
• Familiar with federal laws governing animal use (IACUC, AUP) and related governance; ensure compliance with welfare guidelines.
• Assess animal health and welfare, document findings, and act or seek expert advice as necessary.
• Collaborate with internal matrix partners (BL, PL, RTech) and lead externally conducted studies (CRO/academic groups) as study monitor.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory records in line with data integrity standards and SOPs.
• Foster innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning; stay current with literature and apply 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 experience with COPD/IPF/ILD mechanisms and in vivo systems to interrogate pathophysiology; hands-on experience with lung function measurements and in vivo respiratory models (dosing, necropsy, BAL, lung dissection, blood sampling).
• Required: Experience with flow cytometry, ELISAs, MSD, Luminex, and qPCR or RNAseq; experience overseeing external animal studies (CRO/academic).
• Required: Ability to write and critique scientific documents and communicate findings to line/matrix teams.

Preferred

• Preferred: Expertise in biomarker assay development to define PK/PD parameters and inform translational research.
• Preferred: Experience in drug discovery processes and knowledge of discovery pillars.
• Preferred: Familiarity with omics platforms (spatial, bulk and single-cell RNA seq) and advanced imaging technologies.
• Preferred: Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines; knowledge of regulatory guidelines for animal research and compliance.

Education

• No additional education details provided beyond those in Qualifications.