Scientist

The role of the Scientist is to develop and execute relevant disease in vivo models to generate robust pharmacological and disease relevant biological data for preclinical research studies for our client biotech or pharma companies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Present effectively to others in internal meetings.
• Engage in scientific debates and discussions, making meaningful contributions.
• Share knowledge with the wider company team and may contribute to work and critique of work outside of immediate area of responsibility.
• Critically summarise and produce experimental data and key findings for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure data integrity is maintained through the correct, prescriptive procedure of logging client data.
• Collaborate in developing new disease models and conducting independent research, translating information from scientific literature into the experimental design.
• Train others in technical and analytical aspects of the role.
• May supervise the activities of others on a day‑to‑day basis and take on mentoring responsibilities.
• Hands‑on execution of in vivo preclinical studies in line with protocol and guidelines.
• Be an effective, collaborative hands‑on member of the in vivo/in vitro team, contributing to the overall work of the team as required.
• Engage with peers to ensure their knowledge is current with the latest scientific literature and new technologies in company‑relevant projects and general scientific areas.
• Undertake independent analysis and interpretation of data to draw results.
• Seek peer challenge of how they have interpreted results.
• Author internal and client reports, SOPs, posters, presentations, and supporting documents.
• Work independently to meet specific study goals.
• Be self‑motivated, flexible and adaptive, demonstrating good prioritisation skills.
• Prioritise workflow to execute multiple complex tasks.
• Devise and write new protocols and recommend improvements to existing protocols.
• Generate high‑quality protocols/study plans and carry out client study requests within agreed timelines, including delivery of more than one agreed area of work in parallel where appropriate.
• Develop and characterise new models to support project advancement as necessary, with the supervisor.
• Look out for current developments in the literature to support projects.

Judgement and Problem Solving

• Identify and propose new approaches or technologies to solve complex project‑related or technical problems, evaluating alternative options.
• Provide interpretation of the data, identify innovative ideas and solutions to problems, and put forward plans for further experiments.
• Develop scientifically through attending departmental meetings and seeking out peer learning opportunities.
• Ensure appropriate use of animals in compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Ensure all Standard Operating Procedures, Health and Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to.
• Use best judgment to carry out work to the highest standard.
• Ensure data integrity is maintained through the correct, prescriptive procedure of logging client data.
• Generate and maintain clear experimental records.
• Participate in business development activities as subject‑matter expert on areas of expertise.
• Represent and market the company at scientific meetings and/or client site visits on an as‑needed basis up to 10% US and international travel.

Interaction

This position requires the individual to serve as an important interface between internal departments (i.e. technical team, sales team, accounting team, other scientists), as well as external groups (i.e. sponsors, scientific community). The individual must therefore be well versed in communication skills.

Communication

Communications are with all departments and employees within the organization as well with external companies. Collaboration, execution and reporting of quality assurance. Verbal communication is required to request and receive instructions for work, to report on activities, results, problems, and to participate in planning and scheduling of work and equipment use. Written communication is required for accurate and detailed recording of procedures, for reporting results and for completing documentation. Reading and comprehension of scientific publications, written protocols and manuals is essential.

Qualifications

• Education: Veterinary or graduate level science degree or B.Sc. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Veterinary Sciences, Biology, Neuroscience) with at least 3 years of direct experience. A higher degree of Masters or PhD is considered advantageous but not essential to the role.
• Experience: Preclinical expertise in rodent disease models with a variety of end points in in vivo studies and behavioural pharmacology. Expertise in the design, development and validation of preclinical studies for compound efficacy profiling and screening; including analysing data and report writing. Excellent organisational, problem‑solving and communication skills. Ability to work well within a team, as well as independently and proactively. Ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Highly motivated and flexible in case of changing priorities. 3‑5 years’ experience managing projects, research activities, and collaborative initiatives in a science delivery environment. Demonstrated experience and comfort in managing animal studies. Experience in delivering diagnostic or reference laboratory services under a system of quality. Experience in managing communications and high‑level preparation of study related documentation. Experience conducting safety and efficacy studies. Experience handling confidential laboratory and scientific data. Experience executing administrative strategies. Proven organisational skills and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of the basic principles of biology, immunology and chemistry. Knowledge of the principles of safe handling of potentially pathogenic substances and contaminated materials. Knowledge of occupational health and safety practices. Knowledge of the basic principles of scientific research. Knowledge and understanding of Transpharmation’s Standard Operating Procedures. Knowledge of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Knowledge of therapeutic development regulatory guidelines. Familiar with development of new products for human and animal health care.