Scientist - DMPK (Discovery)

Job Summary The Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) at AstraZeneca, Wilmington is seeking a Scientist in the area of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD). The successful candidate will represent the DMPK department and interact with discovery, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical scientists in developing and executing compound development strategy. Key responsibilities will include participation in cross-functional project team meetings and activities, providing scientific expertise on data analysis, interpretation, and reporting, and leading the PK/PD program for the assigned projects. Specifically, this individual will be responsible for developing pharmacokinetic studies, including PK/PD plans, to investigate the suitability of molecules to progress to man. The successful candidate will design experiments to characterise the determinants of in vivo CNS exposure and integrate these information with in vitro data in order to build a full pharmacokinetic understanding. This work will contribute to efforts within Discovery teams by helping to predict dose to man, calculating safety margins, integrating CNS exposure measurements into PK and PK/PD experiments and ensuring the optimal in vivo characteristics of compounds nominated for transition into Development.


Responsibilities

Qualifications: PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology or related field with 0-3 years of industry experience. The successful candidate must also have a strong understanding of theoretical aspects of PK/PD and be able to conduct both noncompartmental and compartmental analyses. Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly oral and written communication skills are necessary. Understanding of the drug discovery process and issues specific to CNS exposure and Pharmacology is desirable. Additionally, experience in protocol design, conduct of in vitro and/or in vivo laboratory techniques for the determination of the mechanisms governing CNS exposure, participation in cross-functional teams, and understanding of the assigned therapeutic area is valuable. Experience in general ADME processes, particularly in reference to chemical structure is preferred.