Senior Scientist, Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery, Drug Product Design

Role Summary

This position will be reporting into the Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery group at the La Jolla, California location. In this position you will act as a resident pharmaceutical science subject matter expert to influence small molecule early drug candidate selection with respect to drug delivery, bio-performance, and stability. You will closely collaborate with colleagues in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and interpreting in vitro, in silico, and in vivo experiments, as well as design of stage-appropriate traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies. In addition to formulation, you will be responsible for material science and physicochemical properties assessments of early drug candidates. This includes laboratory measurements and interpretation of the data to inform manufacturing, bio-performance, and stability risks for development of the drug candidates.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the physicochemical properties of potential small molecule drug candidates to inform a drug product formulation strategy and developability risk assessment
• Design and develop fit for purpose and diagnostic traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies
• Design, execute, and interpret the results of polymorph and salt screens for potential drug candidates related to stability, manufacturability, and bio-performance
• Apply first principles understanding of thermodynamics and kinetic processes to dissolution and precipitation of drugs in biorelevant conditions and physical and chemical stability in the solid state
• Work in cross-disciplinary teams and partner with subject matter experts in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology departments to influence candidate selection and progression
• Develop strategic collaborations with academic and industrial researchers for addressing gaps in fundamental or applied science related to the pharmaceutical sciences
• Conduct novel research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications

Qualifications

• Required: Recent PhD with 0-3 year post-doctoral experience, MS with 7+ years experience, or BS with 8+ years experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Physical Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, or Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Required: Experience working independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment
• Preferred: Experience in designing and conducting hypothesis driven laboratory experiments
• Preferred: Experience with application of fundamental principles to solve complex problems
• Preferred: Generating, interpreting, and integrating experimental data into mathematical models to progress the understanding of complex materials and processes
• Preferred: Experience in pharmacokinetic modeling and simulations using Gastroplus or similar modeling software
• Preferred: Experience with data structuring and capture
• Preferred: Experience with formulation design for preclinical studies as well as awareness of drug product design criteria for phase 1 clinical trials
• Preferred: Strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, strong written and verbal communication skills
• Preferred: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and activities while managing tight timelines

Skills

• Strong laboratory and data analysis skills
• Proficiency in formulation science, physical chemistry, and materials characterization
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication abilities

Education

• PhD with relevant post-doctoral experience or MS/BS with substantial pharmaceutical sciences experience as specified above

Additional Requirements

• Occasional travel may be required
• Relocation support available
• Work Location: On Premise