Job Abstract

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Associate Principal Scientist with a strong background in In Vitro Pharmacology to join the External Quantitative Biosciences group (ExQB).

Under the broad direction of a Principal Scientist in ExQB, the candidate will support the execution of externalized In vitro projects across all discovery sites and our Research and Development Division's disease areas, as well as participate in relationship management of Contract Research Organizations (CRO).  The ideal candidate will be a skilled scientist and team player with experience supporting collaborations across a broad range of departments and disciplines. In collaboration with Quantitative Biosciences (QB), this individual will effectively assess and grow our Research and Development Division's external in vitro capabilities to drive pipeline support in line with our broader externalization strategies. Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, application of soft skills, and excellent interpersonal skills are crucial to success in this role.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Partner with scientists from QB and other discovery functions to define and challenge resource demands, support the continued build of strategies, workflows and partner capabilities for new screening platforms and external reagent generation.

• In alignment with QB externalization strategies, connect internal scientists with appropriate strategic CRO partners to support on-going needs.

• Provide tactical support to successfully transfer in vitro screening funnels, assays, technology, and processes to complement internal resources in an innovative and rapidly changing environment.

• Provide partner training as needed, including data QC and notebook keeping, as well as performing quarterly audits of partner notebook entries.

• Participate in partner site visits to evaluate processes, capabilities, safety procedures and compliance standards as well as build workflows to compliment internal company processes.

• Together with Discovery Operations, manage the scientific and operational relationship between our company and CROs by providing support for execution of governance meetings and project enablement/closeout, as well as Vendor Performance evaluation and regular onsite audits of CROs.    

• Support business continuity, Sourcing Management Processes, and licensing by working closely with Procurement and Business Development and Licensing teams to manage current and new providers.

• Work closely with Finance and Discovery Operations to manage and forecast ongoing In Vitro sourcing spend and gather resource demand to enable Finance in generating robust profit plans. 

• Work closely with our company's IT organization to develop and implement IT infrastructure at partners including, but not limited to, notebook record-keeping and data QC.

• Through sourcing efforts, enable a unified sourcing strategy between ExQB, External Discovery Chemistry and PDMB outsourcing groups, by implementing and growing co-localized and integrated CRO sourcing partners focusing on business continuity and improving the Design, Make, Test, Analyze cycle time.

Required Experience and Skills: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Enzymology, Protein sciences, Cell pharmacology, molecular biology or a relevant In Vitro Pharmacology discipline with 8+ years of experience, or Master's Degree (MA/MBA/MS) with 6+ years of experience, or a PhD with 4+ years of experience in biological sciences or related discipline.

• Deep understanding of In Vitro pharmacology principles and best practices across multiple disease areas with expertise in designing, interpreting, and troubleshooting studies as well as plate-based assay development and execution.

• Understanding of global pharmaceutical and CRO industries with a solid understanding of drug discovery in general, as well as Quantitative Biosciences’ role within the company drug discovery organization.

Preferred Experience and Skills: 

• Strong understanding of in vitro pharmacology business standards including data QC, protocol design, laboratory processes and best-practices, as well as safety standards.

• A minimum of 3 years in managing CRO relationships or equivalent relationship management role.

• Established network within our company, as well as Strategic CROs, and biotech / large pharma.

• Successful track record of working with multiple functional groups or teams across cultural and geographic boundaries.

The location can be at any of our company's Research Laboratories (Research and Development Division) sites including our Boston MA, Cambridge MA, Rahway NJ, West Point PA or San Francisco CA sites.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders).  Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

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Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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