In vivo Pharmacologist (Oncology)

Department

Early Oncology Discovery / Biotherapeutics

Reports To

Head of Research and Development

Location

Central Cambridge; full-time onsite

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly driven, translational scientist to lead in vivo pharmacology at GTx. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing in vivo strategies which will include efficacy, PK/PD and exploratory safety profiling for multiple modalities in oncology. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of advancing novel small molecules and bioconjugates from early hit-to-lead through lead optimisation, culminating in the successful delivery of multiple Development Candidates (DCs) and IND filings.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and oversee integrated pharmacology strategies connecting in vitro cellular potency with in vivo target engagement, tumor regression, and safety margins.
• Co-author and defend comprehensive DC nomination packages, providing the biological, pharmacological, and early safety rationale for clinical advancement.
• Direct the selection, development, and execution of translationally relevant in vivo oncology models (e.g., CDX, PDX, syngeneic, and genetically engineered mouse models).
• Establish robust in vivo credentialing studies to validate mechanism of action, demonstrate monotherapy or combination efficacy, and evaluate acquired resistance mechanisms.
• Oversee the development of pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker assays (e.g., target occupancy, downstream signaling inhibition) to prove target modulation in vivo correlates with tumor stasis or regression.

DMPK & PK/PD Translation

• Contribute to the DMPK strategy to ensure chemical leads possess the necessary ADME properties for the intended route of administration
• Integrate pharmacokinetic data with pharmacodynamic readouts to build robust PK/PD models.
• Define minimum effective concentrations, target exposure thresholds (AUC), and optimal dosing schedules to guide human dose projections.

Operational Execution

• Manage external contract research organizations (CROs) and academic collaborators to execute complex in vivo efficacy and DMPK studies efficiently and rigorously.
• Ensure all in vivo research meets internal QA standards and external IACUC protocols, animal welfare regulations, and rigorous data integrity standards for regulatory submissions.

Candidate Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Education:Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Physiology, Toxicology, or a closely related discipline.
• Track Record:Documented success in delivering multiple small molecule oncology programs to Development Candidate (DC) status and contributing directly to successful IND filings.
• Experience:10+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in early discovery and translational research, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing pharmacology or DMPK programs.
• Core Technical expertise:
• Oncology in vivo pharmacology, including hands-on experience with diverse tumor models and a thorough understanding of tumor microenvironment (TME) biology.
• Strong command of small molecule DMPK principles, metabolite identification, and PK/PD mathematical modeling.
• Practical experience designing and interpreting exploratory toxicology studies to define safety margins.
• Demonstrated ability to work hand-in-glove with medicinal chemists, utilizing biological data to directly inform SAR and chemical design iterations.
• Leadership Skills:Proven track record of managing external CROs, with the ability to inspire scientists and drive rigorous, data-driven decision-making.

Preferred Attributes

• Expertise across small molecule modalities, such as targeted protein degraders, covalent inhibitors, or allosteric modulators.
• Experience with bioconjugates/ADC
• Strong executive presence with experience of presentations to scientific advisory boards, executive level management, and cross functional contribution to regulatory agencies (e.g., pre-IND meetings) interactions.

Equal Opportunities & Right to Work

Genome Therapeutics is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation and we make recruitment decisions based on merit.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application; unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

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