Drug Discovery Scientist

Job Description

The Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (WCNDD) at Vanderbilt University is currently seeking applicants for a Drug Discovery Scientist position in the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics group. The position will be salaried, full-time (with benefits), and based in the Department of Pharmacology in Nashville, TN.

Every major advance in medicine starts with fundamental discoveries that teach us how living organisms work in both health and disease. These discoveries are made in biomedical sciences laboratories that study life at all levels from the individual molecules that encode heredity to the complex associations of cells that form tissues and organs. Vanderbilt Basic Sciences is a tightly integrated research and education division within the School of Medicine comprising four academic departments, eight interdisciplinary centers, twenty-seven service core facilities, and the Office of Biomedical Research, Education, and Training.

Our team of over 1000 faculty, fellows, students, and staff is making new discoveries every day - discoveries that enrich our understanding of biological processes and provide the foundation for new insights into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Overseeing/facilitating the design, execution, analysis, and reporting of a wide range of small molecule discovery-stage in vivo DMPK assays and studies (non-GLP). Maintain up to date, accurate, and standardized records of experiments/assays.
• Shared supervision and management of research assistants, laboratory operations/instrumentation, and DMPK group resources and deliverables.
• Write and submit IACUC protocols and manage existing protocols. Interact with the IACUC and Animal Facility personnel to resolve potential issues and day-to-day operation.
• Handle small animals and prepare them for DMPK experiments. Administer small molecule compounds PO, IP, IV or SC. Draw blood at specific time points and prepare plasma for shipping to DMPK lab. Collect tissues as requested by DMPK lab.
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, biohazardous materials and fluids/tissues, and/or carcinogens).
• Representation of DMPK on multiple drug discovery program teams, including participation in recurring meetings/TCs (infrequent travel requirements).
• Obtaining DMPK data via a network of domestic and international contract research organizations (CROs), including coordination of contracts and shipping logistics.
• Train new personnel.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does have supervisory responsibility; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a similar position within a pharmaceutical company, biotechnology company, or academic drug discovery organization is required.
• Strong organizational, inter-personal/communication, and analytical skills with the ability to manage several responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and biochemistry/enzymology; familiarity with PK related FDA/EMA regulatory guidance.
• Experience with use of Prism (or related), and other standard laboratory/office computer programs (e.g., MS Office) for analysis and reporting of DMPK data.
• Ability to work independently (i.e., self-motivated) with low supervision, flexible hours, and on repetitive tasks with a shared respect for the long term goals and mission of the organization.

General Characteristics of a Successful Vanderbilt University Staff Member:

• Acceptance of Feedback - Takes constructive criticism with grace, and make improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges. When wrong, owns it - freely admits mistakes.
• Adaptability - Reads cues and adapt accordingly. Adjusts style and approach to accommodate the styles and needs of others. Can anticipate and effectively de-escalate potential conflicts.
• Analytical & Detail-Oriented - Accurately assesses information and applies applicable law, policy and procedure. Considers the long term implications of actions today and advises employees appropriately. Even small mistakes can create big issues; attention to detail work indicates care about the outcomes.
• Assumes Positive Intent - Assume that others are working and taking action with good intentions. They may not have all the information yet and asking thoughtful questions and providing information is critical to mutual understanding and moving forward with success
• Autonomous - Self-managing; self-motivated. Manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track. Cleans up after themselves

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Use critical thinking and analytical skills to identify problems and provide examples of corrective actions and follow through with corrective actions
• Plan, organize, prioritize and follow through to completion on projects assigned.
• Must be a team player who will both take and receive guidance and support other team members.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with team members.
• Strive for continuous improvement by applying various learning experiences to uncover underlying causes of problems and identify ways to solve them.
• Display an awareness of and urgency around deadlines and accept responsibility of assigned duties