Scientist – Pharmacology

About the Role

The Scientist, Pharmacology will be a scientific and strategic thought partner responsible for executing nonclinical program activities that support the development of differentiated products at Tarsus. This role sits at the interface of discovery and early clinical development and will contribute to the planning, execution, oversight, analysis, and reporting of nonclinical studies across the portfolio.

The successful candidate will lead day-to-day outsourced study execution, coordinate cross-functional activities, interpret and communicate study results, and contribute to regulatory documentation. The role will initially provide substantial support to late stage programs and across portfolio as priorities and programs evolve.

Let’s talk about some of the key responsibilities of the role:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute nonclinical in vitro and in vivo studies supporting efficacy, MOA, and proof of concept that support program and therapeutic objectives.
• Serve as a key knowledge holder for assigned programs, contributing scientific expertise in mechanism of action, study design, data interpretation, and risk assessment.
• Serve as the day-to-day scientific and operational lead for outsourced studies, including development and management of CRO contracts, work orders, scopes of work, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and study timelines.
• Coordinate test-article and API supply, sample shipment and tracking, in-life study monitoring, in coordination with CROs and internal partners.
• Review study protocols, amendments, data packages, and final reports to ensure scientific quality, appropriate interpretation, and alignment with program needs.
• Analyze, summarize, and communicate study findings through written reports, graphical summaries, presentations, and cross-functional team discussions.
• Author, review, and quality-control nonclinical study reports and source content for regulatory documents and agency-interaction materials, including pre-IND, IND, NDA, and Type B meeting briefing materials.
• Support both non-GLP and GLP pivotal studies, working with internal teams and external partners to ensure studies are completed in accordance with applicable requirements and program timelines.
• Partner closely with Translational Science, Toxicology, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, CMC, and Program Management to support integrated development plans and key decision points.
• Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, data integrity, documentation, and study reproducibility.

Factors for Success:

• Decision Making - Demonstrates strong decision-making by applying structured analysis to complex challenges, balancing competing priorities and long-term impacts while engaging stakeholders and driving solutions aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaboration and Team Building - Promotes collaboration by aligning diverse teams around shared goals, fostering healthy debate to advance outcomes, and building strong networks that strengthen organizational effectiveness and cross-team learning.
• Outcome Driven - Demonstrates strong outcomes focus by aligning teams around shared priorities, proactively addressing risks and dependencies, and driving cross-functional accountability to sustain progress and deliver results.
• Empowering Others - Fosters empowerment by aligning authority with accountability, developing leaders’ decision-making capability, and creating systems that support performance and growth.
• Emotional Intelligence - Foster trust and psychological safety, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with compassion and accountability, and adapting leadership style to support others while maintaining composure under pressure.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in pharmacology, biology, toxicology, biomedical sciences, or a related life-sciences field with 3+ years experience; candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree and 5+ years experience will also be considered.
• Relevant pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, or contract-research experience supporting in vitro and in vivo research using molecular, cellular or biochemical approached to elucidate MOA, target identification or compound screening.
• Ability to review scientific literature, protocols, data, reports, and technical documentation, translating learning/findings into clear, actionable conclusions.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple studies, vendors, deliverables, and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare scientific reports, presentations, and regulatory-supporting documentation.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and influencing skills within multidisciplinary, matrixed teams.
• Proactive, scientifically curious, detail-oriented, and able to work independently while recognizing when to seek input or escalate issues.
• Enterprise and entrepreneurial mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience planning, executing, overseeing, or interpreting nonclinical studies, including work performed through external CROs or laboratory partners.
• Knowledge of mechanism-of-action studies, disease models, pharmacodynamic endpoints, or translational biomarker approaches.
• Experience in ophthalmology, dermatology or related therapeutic areas.
• Experience supporting programs from discovery through early development.

A Few Other Details Worth Mentioning:

• The position will be based in our beautiful Irvine office, complete with onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. We provide a hybrid work environment.
• We are passionate about our culture. Our Tarsans live our values of commitment to patients, empowerment to champion innovation, and teamwork to amplify impact.
• This position will report to Director of Pharmacology.
• Some travel may be required — up to 20%.

At Tarsus, we understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The expected base pay range for this position is $97,500- $136,500 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. The base pay range reflects the target range for this position, but individual pay will be determined by additional factors such as job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Our benefits include health, dental and vision insurance benefits to ensure your well-being. We believe in work-life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days. For more details regarding Tarsus benefits, please visit: https://eb.alliant.com/26tarsusbenefitssnapshot.

#LI-Hybrid