At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and execute innovative DMPK studies to drive drug discovery.
- Company: Join Vernalis, a leader in drug discovery with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, private healthcare, and a flexible work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to scientific excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while working with top scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with hands-on DMPK experience required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
About Vernalis
Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in multiple hit‑ID technologies and structure‑based drug discovery. Our scientists develop and apply lead generation and structure‑based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and have generated cell active compounds and development candidates against targets in multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, neurodegeneration, anti‑infectives and inflammation.
The Role – Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist II / Associate Principal Scientist (dependent on experience) in DMPK to support our small molecule discovery programs. This is a lab‑based, hands‑on role covering the full spectrum of discovery DMPK, including in vitro ADME assays, metabolite identification (MetID), and the design, bioanalysis and interpretation of in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies. As part of an organisation of ~70 scientists, you will play a key role in generating high‑quality experimental data and translating DMPK insights to guide compound optimisation and candidate selection. You will work closely on multiple projects with medicinal chemistry and biology teams both at Vernalis and with our collaborators, as well as manage and direct work carried out at external CROs.
Key responsibilities
- Design, execute, and interpret in vitro ADME studies
- Develop, optimise, and apply LC‑MS/MS analytical methods to support in vitro and in vivo studies
- Design and oversee in vivo studies via CROs, including study design, dose selection, and sampling strategy
- Perform pharmacokinetic analysis and data interpretation
- Conduct and lead metabolite identification studies (MetID) with structural elucidation to inform medicinal chemistry design
- Maintain and develop internal DMPK laboratory capabilities and workflows
- Identify and mitigate key DMPK risks
- Contribute to multidisciplinary project teams and decision‑making
Knowledge & Experience
- Strong hands‑on experience in small molecule discovery DMPK, including:
- In vitro ADME assay execution and interpretation
- LC‑MS/MS use and troubleshooting ability
- Design and interpretation of in vivo PK studies
- Proven ability to integrate data and inform project decisions
- Familiarity with PK/PD modelling tools
- Ability to design project‑specific screening cascades to reflect current needs
- Experience supporting decision making for candidate selection
- Experience working with external collaborators and CROs
Skills and competencies
- Strong hands‑on experimental capability and troubleshooting skills
- Excellent data analysis and scientific interpretation
- Ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights
- Effective communication across multidisciplinary teams
- Strong organisation and time management skills
- Ability to balance lab work with project delivery
- Ability to influence project direction
- Leadership and mentoring experience
- Demonstrable ability to innovate in the speciality of DMPK
Education & Qualifications
Essential: PhD (or equivalent) in relevant field and several years of DMPK experience in a professional drug discovery related setting.
Why Vernalis?
At Vernalis you will be part of ‘One Team’ working in a friendly and collaborative office. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including generous pension contributions, private healthcare cover, 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme, flexitime, discretionary bonus, employee assistance programme and enhanced family leave policies. If you feel passionate about joining a team where scientific excellence and enthusiasm combine in a friendly and flexible environment to impact drug discovery projects, then please get in touch!
EEO Statement
Vernalis Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
Senior Scientist 2/Associate Principal Scientist DMPK employer: Vernalis
Vernalis is an exceptional employer located in Cambridge, where you will join a collaborative team of world-class scientists dedicated to advancing drug discovery. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises scientific excellence and personal growth, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave, private healthcare, and flexible working arrangements. If you are looking for a meaningful role that allows you to make a significant impact in the field of DMPK, Vernalis provides the perfect environment to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist 2/Associate Principal Scientist DMPK
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Vernalis. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
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Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Vernalis.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Vernalis. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Vernalis is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist 2/Associate Principal Scientist DMPK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Vernalis!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Vernalis that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Vernalis!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Vernalis, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vernalis
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Vernalis that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Vernalis’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
