Scientific Leader, In Vivo Pharmacology

Role Summary

Location: Cambridge, MA. Position Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated Scientific Leader to join the In Vivo Pharmacology team at GSK. The role involves designing and executing PK/PD studies to advance oligonucleotide therapeutics, with deep hands-on experience in rodent and non-human primate models and molecular assays including qPCR. The successful candidate will manage multiple projects and contribute to preclinical development with a blend of operational excellence and scientific expertise.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and execute in vivo studies in rodent and non‑human primate (NHP) models to support target validation, lead optimization, and candidate selection.
• Manage and oversee in vivo studies conducted internally or with external CRO, including scope definition, protocol review, operational activities, data quality oversight, and scientific interpretation and communication of results.
• Ensure timely scheduling, execution, and delivery of in vivo studies in alignment with project plans, milestones, and decision points; proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Apply deep subject‑matter expertise in the biology, pharmacology, and delivery for evaluating oligonucleotide therapeutics or related modalities in preclinical models.
• Analyze, interpret data and communicate results clearly and objectively to key internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with DMPK, non-clinical safety, chemistry, in vitro and project teams to ensure robust study design and data generation.
• Experience with hands‑on molecular biology assays, with a strong emphasis on qPCR, including assay development, optimization, execution, and data analysis from in vivo samples (preferred).

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline, with minimum 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Required: Three or more years of experience in in vivo PK/PD study design and execution in rodent and non-human primate models.
• Required: Two or more years of experience working with oligonucleotide therapeutics in a preclinical setting.
• Required: Three or more years of experience independently designing studies, troubleshooting complex experimental challenges, and delivering high-quality data.
• Required: Three or more years of experience conducting in vivo techniques, including dosing, tissue collection, and related procedures.
• Preferred: Experience working in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology research environment.
• Preferred: Experience working with and managing CROs.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience with qPCR assays, including assay development, optimization, and data analysis of in vivo samples.
• Preferred: Track record of delivering data for regulatory submissions or IND-enabling packages.
• Preferred: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data clearly to multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

• In vivo pharmacology in rodent and NHP models; PK/PD study design and execution
• Hands-on molecular biology assays with emphasis on qPCR
• Data analysis and interpretation; clear scientific communication
• Cross-functional collaboration with DMPK, safety, chemistry, and project teams
• Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics and preclinical evaluation

Education

• PhD in Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline