Lead Research Scientist, Animal Pharmacology

at  Stanford University

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

Sarafan ChEM-H is an interdisciplinary institute focused on connecting Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health. The institute was founded as a joint venture of the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences. The proximity of world-class biologists, chemists, engineers, and clinicians at Stanford presents a unique opportunity to study human biology at a molecular level, to translate this knowledge into groundbreaking discoveries that advance our understanding of and ability to improve human health.
Sarafan ChEM-H has partnered with Stanford Medicine to launch a bold new translational research initiative – Stanford’s Innovative Medicines Accelerator (IMA). IMA aims to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries at Stanford University into new therapeutics that impact human health while improving our understanding of human biology. The Preclinical pharmacology team works closely with the Medicinal Chemistry, High Throughput Screening and Protein Engineering modules. They propel IMA projects with quantitative measurements of drug candidates that guide medicinal chemists and protein engineers toward drug prototypes. Preclinical pharmacology collects information about how drug candidates interact with their targets, affect cells in culture and behave in animals. Preclinical pharmacology informs how drug candidates will behave in humans.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Stanford Innovative Medicines Accelerator (IMA) is seeking a dedicated Lead Research Scientist, Animal Pharmacology to support IMA’s portfolio of drug discovery projects. Reporting to the Director of Pre-clinical Pharmacology, you will lead complex in vivo studies across various therapeutic modalities, collaborating with scientific teams to refine strategies that align with IMA’s preclinical goals. You have extensive experience utilizing transgenic mouse models to design and execute pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, as well as GLP toxicity assessments. Familiarity with institutional requirements for animal use and welfare in pharmacology experiments is essential. Additionally, you will effectively communicate the goals, protocols, and results, contribute to regulatory submissions, and foster cross-team collaboration to enhance IMA’s research innovation and decision-making processes.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or related field and six years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills of advanced scientific or engineering principles and practices.
• Extensive experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and performing special technical services and the ability to articulate and translate implementation requirements to the planning, design, development, operations, and performance of complex equipment and systems.
• In-depth experience using software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.
• Ability to supervise others in oversight and management of instrumentation or system installation.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee, maintain, and develop a laboratory space including demonstrated ability to and supervise the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.
• Demonstrated ability to critically review research proposals, prepare reports, evaluate research capabilities, and make recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to establish, communicate, and enforce animal ethics and safety policies and procedures effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.

PREFERRED BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology or Pharmaceutical Sciences, complemented by relevant postgraduate experience.
• 8+ years of industry experience in in vivo pharmacology and toxicology, knowledge of regulatory guidelines is a plus.
• Experienced in working with GEMM and humanized mouse models.
• Extensive hands-on experience conducting vivo studies, including administering test molecules, euthanizing animals, and collecting organs and blood samples for further analysis, and histology.
• Extensive experience in identifying animal models for designing, executing and managing in vivo pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies across multiple CROs.
• Experienced in working with multiple therapeutic modalities including small molecules and large molecules.
• A strong record of achievement, including publications.
• Proficient in writing animal ethics protocols and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Experience managing direct reports, overseeing in vivo strategy, setting project priorities, and optimizing resource allocation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully.
• Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
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• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Support complex scientific and research; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, or senior administrative officers to oversee complex non-routine analyses, select optimum solutions, design and develop special purpose equipment and/or systems, and perform corrective modifications to equipment and system designs.
• Contribute to or may have lead responsibility for the planning, design, and implementation of scientific or engineering initiatives, and work toward project objective.
• Oversee and make decisions independently for operation, maintenance, and development of laboratory space.
• Oversee and prepare periodic financial and technical reports and operating plans.
• Clarify and resolve complex technical issues with substantial significance and impact, which may span multiple areas, using advanced technical and professional knowledge.
• Serve as a resource in review of research proposals and research capabilities and make recommendations.
• Establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Oversee development of training manuals and safety guidelines, and train new instrumentation users, researchers, and/or technical staff.
• Perform supervisory duties, including hiring, performance management, and related duties, overseeing the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/project, supervising the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of complex scientific or engineering projects, and training technicians, operators, and others working in a particular scientific or engineering function area.