Research Scientist

Overview

Certara accelerates the potential of bringing medicines to market and to patients using biosimulation software, technology, and services to transform traditional drug discovery and development. Our clients include more than 2,400 biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and regulatory agencies across 70 countries.

Our goal is to enable the life sciences industry’s use of data, modeling, and analytics to make better decisions across the various phases of discovery and drug development. Our software and scientists incorporate modern advances in scientific understanding, drug development experience, data analysis, and AI resulting in significant opportunities to decrease the cost and increase the probability of success for new drug approval and commercialization.

We have an opening for a highly motivated Research Scientist to work on research and development of mechanistic models for small and large molecules implemented within various Simcyp products. The Scientist will apply physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling and in vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) approaches to translate in vitro, preclinical and clinical data into predictive models for both small molecules and biologics.

Suitable candidates will have hands-on experience in PBPK modelling and simulation of small molecules and/or large molecules, including the collation and interpretation of in vitro, preclinical and clinical data, model development, and verification of model performance against observed clinical data. Experience in mechanistic ADME modelling, IVIVE of drug metabolism and transport, target-mediated drug disposition, or the disposition of therapeutic proteins and other novel modalities would be particularly appreciated. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the latest scientific developments, disseminate research results, and actively engage with peers and clients within industry, academia and regulatory agencies. The role is a blended research, client facing and software development role. Experience working in drug discovery and development within the pharmaceutical industry is desirable.

The successful candidate will join an internationally recognised, multidisciplinary research team, providing opportunities for further development of knowledge and skills. The candidate will undertake novel research projects to expand further the capabilities of the Simcyp Simulators, which require a high level of attention to detail, good oral and written communication skills, and the ability to liaise effectively with the software developers. Further, the candidate is expected to provide on-going customer support and education related to the use of the Simulators and to act as tutor on the Company’s well-known educational workshops. The post does not include routine laboratory or clinical work.

Responsibilities

• Active involvement in research and development of PBPK/PD models implemented within the Simcyp Simulators including collating, reviewing and analysing healthy and disease populations as well as compound and clinical data.
• Preparing implementation documents and developing case studies under guidance or independently leading wish-list and/or strategic projects as needed.
• Contributing to consultancy projects when required.
• Applying your experience/expertise in assisting with development and enhancement of IVIVE and PBPK modules.
• Flexibility to learn and work on projects in areas outside of your previous experience e.g., absorption modules when required.
• Training up to act as a tutor for Simcyp workshops when and if needed.
• Take on a substantial role in testing the Simulators before and after the release.
• Disseminating the outcome of research as poster/podium presentations and scientific publications.
• Communicating with clients and dealing with clients’ queries.
• Taking part in clients’ site visits and on-site education.
• Assisting with the research and development of externally funded projects e.g., grants.
• Maintaining an active interest and awareness of new research and technologies relevant to the field, expanding your field expertise, and disseminating these within the team

Qualifications

• An MSc with at least 3 years of relevant experience, a PhD with at least 1 year of experience, in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with a demonstrable background in PBPK modelling.

Essential

• Evident experience in collating, reviewing and analysing literature data
• In-depth understanding and hands-on experience in in vitro to in vivo extrapolation techniques and PBPK modelling
• Excellent communication skills, as evident by presentation at scientific meetings, and good interpersonal and organizational skills

Desirable

• Familiarity with modelling and simulation principles of physiological and biological systems.
• Good working knowledge of common or specialised modelling and simulation tools, such as Matlab, R, Phoenix, Simcyp, etc.
• Familiarity with AI tools and their applications.
• Experience in drug discovery and development within the pharmaceutical industry is desirable.

Certara bases all employment-related decision on merit, taking into consideration qualifications, skills, achievement, and performance. We treat all applicants and employees without regard to personal characteristics such as race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, nationality, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental condition, genetic information, military service, or other characteristic protected by law.