The Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (WCNDD) at Vanderbilt University is currently seeking applicants for a Drug Discovery Scientist position in the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics group.  The position will be salaried, full-time (with benefits), and based in the Department of Pharmacology in Nashville, TN.

Every major advance in medicine starts with fundamental discoveries that teach us how living organisms work in both health and disease. These discoveries are made in biomedical sciences laboratories that study life at all levels from the individual molecules that encode heredity to the complex associations of cells that form tissues and organs. Vanderbilt Basic Sciences is a tightly integrated research and education division within the School of Medicine comprising four academic departments, eight interdisciplinary centers, twenty-seven service core facilities, and the Office of Biomedical Research, Education, and Training.

Our team of over 1000 faculty, fellows, students, and staff is making new discoveries every day - discoveries that enrich our understanding of biological processes and provide the foundation for new insights into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
 

Duties and Responsibilities Overseeing/facilitating the design, execution, analysis, and reporting of a wide range of small molecule discovery-stage in vitro DMPK assays and studies (non-GLP). Maintain up to date, accurate, and standardized records of experiments/assays. Establish new DMPK assays as required by the different programs. Shared supervision and management of research assistants, laboratory operations/instrumentation, and DMPK group resources and deliverables. Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, biohazardous materials and fluids/tissues, and/or carcinogens). Representation of DMPK on multiple drug discovery program teams, including participation in recurring meetings/TCs (infrequent travel requirements). Obtaining DMPK data via a network of domestic and international contract research organizations (CROs), including coordination of contracts and shipping logistics. Train new personnel.

Core Competencies 

Use critical thinking and analytical skills to identify problems and provide examples of corrective actions and follow through with corrective actions. Plan, organize, prioritize, and follow through to completion on projects assigned. Must be a team player who will both take and receive guidance and support other team members. Communicate effectively and regularly with team members. Strive for continuous improvement by applying various learning experiences to uncover underlying causes of problems and identify ways to solve them.  Display an awareness of and urgency around deadlines and accept responsibility of assigned duties.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does have supervisory responsibility; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of DMPK.

Qualifications

M.S. degree in pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in a similar position within a pharmaceutical company, biotechnology company, or academic drug discovery organization. Strong organizational, inter-personal/communication, and analytical skills with the ability to manage several responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. In-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and biochemistry/enzymology; familiarity with FDA/EMA regulatory guidance. Experience with use of Prism (or related), and other standard laboratory/office computer programs (e.g., MS Office) for analysis and reporting of DMPK data. Ability to work independently (i.e., self-motivated) with low supervision, flexible hours, and on repetitive tasks with a shared respect for the long-term goals and mission of the organization.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

 

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