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 the 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 clinical phases, focusing on targets, in vivo models, and translational biology for 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 to enable PK/PD and translational biomarker data generation.
• Lead discussions to define scientific rationale, objectives, endpoints and Go/No-Go decisions for in vivo models, setting goals and timelines.
• Design, execute, analyze, and present in vivo studies as the In Vivo Leader (IVL) on portfolio projects with input from leadership and matrix partners.
• Apply robust study design principles, incorporating input from Subject Matter Experts and partners prior to endorsement/recommendations for animal studies.
• Anticipate and resolve experimental challenges in planning, setup, and execution with minimal guidance.
• Execute lab/vivarium-based work to enable sample/tissue acquisition and analysis, integrating PK/PD and translational biomarker data; utilize ex vivo assays as needed (flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, Luminex, qPCR).
• Serve as key contact for animal studies, including out-of-hours procedures as required.
• Maintain technical expertise in animal handling, dosing, sampling, and measurements of physiological function (e.g., lung function, hemodynamics).
• Follow Federal laws governing animal research and local governance (IACUC, AUP) and comply with related welfare guidelines.
• Assess animal health and welfare, document findings, and act or seek expert advice as needed.
• Collaborate with internal partners (e.g., BL, PL, RTech) and lead externally conducted animal studies (CRO/academic groups) as study monitor.
• Maintain accurate electronic records aligned with data integrity standards and safety guidelines.
• Foster an innovative, collaborative, inclusive, and continuous-learning culture; stay current with literature to apply to in vivo strategies.

Qualifications

• BSc in biological sciences with 5+ years of respiratory in vivo experience, or Master's in Biological Science with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years in industry or academia.
• Experience with respiratory disease mechanisms in COPD and IPF/ILD and using in vivo systems to interrogate these mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with animal model systems in respiratory diseases, including lung function measurements (e.g., plethysmography, dynamic compliance/resistance, FEV, FVC).
• Experience with in vivo model handling (dosing via intranasal/intratracheal routes), tissue necropsy (BAL and lung dissection), and blood sampling.
• Experience with Flow Cytometry, ELISA, MSD, Luminex, and qPCR or RNAseq.
• Experience supervising external animal studies (CRO/academic groups) as study monitor.
• Proven ability to write and critique scientific documents and communicate findings clearly to line and matrix teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in biomarker assay development in respiratory disease to define PK/PD parameters and inform translational research.
• Experience in drug discovery processes in 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 research and compliance requirements.