In Vivo Pharmacologist

Department: Early Oncology Discovery / Biotherapeutics Reports To: Head of Research and Development            Location: Central Cambridge; full-time onsite Position Summary: We are seeking a highly driven, translational scientist to lead in vivo pharmacology at GTx. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing in vivo strategies which will include efficacy, PK/PD and exploratory safety profiling for multiple modalities in oncology. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of advancing novel small molecules and bioconjugates from early hit-to-lead through lead optimisation, culminating in the successful delivery of multiple Development Candidates (DCs) and IND filings.  Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Programme Direction

• Design and oversee integrated pharmacology strategies connecting in vitro cellular potency with in vivo target engagement, tumor regression, and safety margins.
• Co-author and defend comprehensive DC nomination packages, providing the biological, pharmacological, and early safety rationale for clinical advancement. 2. In Vivo Pharmacology & Efficacy Modeling
• Direct the selection, development, and execution of translationally relevant in vivo oncology models (e.g., CDX, PDX, syngeneic, and genetically engineered mouse models).
• Establish robust in vivo credentialing studies to validate mechanism of action, demonstrate monotherapy or combination efficacy, and evaluate acquired resistance mechanisms.
• Oversee the development of pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker assays (e.g., target occupancy, downstream signaling inhibition) to prove target modulation in vivo correlates with tumor stasis or regression.

3. DMPK & PK/PD Translation

• Contribute to the DMPK strategy to ensure chemical leads possess the necessary ADME properties for the intended route of administration 
• Integrate pharmacokinetic data with pharmacodynamic readouts to build robust PK/PD models.
• Define minimum effective concentrations, target exposure thresholds (AUC), and optimal dosing schedules to guide human dose projections.

4. Operational Execution

• Manage external contract research organizations (CROs) and academic collaborators to execute complex in vivoefficacy and DMPK studies efficiently and rigorously.
• Ensure all in vivo research meets internal QA standards and external IACUC protocols, animal welfare regulations, and rigorous data integrity standards for regulatory submissions. Candidate Qualifications & Experience: Required Qualifications:
• Education: Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Physiology, Toxicology, or a closely related discipline.
• Track Record: Documented success in delivering multiple small molecule oncology programs to Development Candidate (DC) status and contributing directly to successful IND filings.
• Experience: 10+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in early discovery and translational research, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing pharmacology or DMPK programs.
• Core Technical expertise:
• Oncology in vivo pharmacology, including hands-on experience with diverse tumor models and a thorough understanding of tumor microenvironment (TME) biology.
• Strong command of small molecule DMPK principles, metabolite identification, and PK/PD mathematical modeling.
• Practical experience designing and interpreting exploratory toxicology studies to define safety margins.
• Demonstrated ability to work hand-in-glove with medicinal chemists, utilizing biological data to directly inform SAR and chemical design iterations.
• Leadership Skills: Proven track record of managing external CROs, with the ability to inspire scientists and drive rigorous, data-driven decision-making. Preferred Attributes:
• Expertise across small molecule modalities, such as targeted protein degraders, covalent inhibitors, or allosteric modulators.
• Experience with bioconjugates/ADC
• Strong executive presence with experience of presentations to scientific advisory boards, executive level management, and cross functional contribution to regulatory agencies (e.g., pre-IND meetings) interactions.  & Right to Work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application; unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. To apply: Send your CV together with a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate for this role to recruitment@genometx.com quoting reference: “In vivo Pharmacologist (Oncology) – 0007”