In Vivo Respiratory Principal Scientist

Role Summary

In Vivo Respiratory Principal Scientist leading 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 in the respiratory disease area.

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 define 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 Biology Leader, Project Leader, and Complex Models Leadership Team.
• Apply robust study design principles, obtain input from SMEs and matrix partners prior to endorsements for animal studies.
• Resolve technical challenges in experimental planning, setup and execution with minimal guidance.
• Conduct lab/vivarium-based execution to enable sample/tissue acquisition and analysis, integrating PK/PD and translational biomarker data; utilize ex vivo assays as needed (flow cytometry, ELISAs, MSD, Luminex, qPCR).
• 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 lung function and hemodynamics.
• Be familiar with federal laws governing animal use and local governance processes (IACUC, AUP); adhere to welfare and treatment guidelines.
• Assess animal health and welfare, document findings, and act or seek expert advice when necessary.
• Collaborate effectively with internal matrix partners and external studies (CROs, academic groups) as study monitor.
• Lead external animal studies and monitor studies; maintain accurate electronic lab records compliant with data integrity standards.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning; stay current with literature and apply to in vivo strategies.

Qualifications

• BSc in biological science with 5+ years of respiratory in vivo experience, or MSc with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years in industry or academia.
• Knowledge of COPD and IPF/ILD mechanisms and use of in vivo systems to interrogate pathophysiology.
• Hands-on experience with respiratory animal model systems including lung function measurements (e.g., whole-body plethysmography, dynamic compliance/resistance, FEV/FVC).
• Experience with in vivo dosing (intranasal, intratracheal), tissue necropsy (BAL and lung dissection), and blood sampling.
• Experience with Flow Cytometry, ELISAs, MSD, Luminex, and qPCR or RNAseq.
• Experience supervising external animal studies as a study monitor.
• Experience writing and critiquing scientific documents and communicating findings clearly to line and matrix teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Biomarker assay development expertise in respiratory disease to define PK/PD parameters and inform translational research.
• Experience in drug discovery processes and knowledge of drug discovery pillars.
• Familiarity with omics platforms (spatial, bulk and single-cell RNA-seq) and advanced imaging technologies.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines relating to animal use and compliance requirements.