Senior Scientist, In vivo Pharmacology, Oncology

Job Purpose

The Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology – Oncology will serve as the in-lab subject matter expert (SME) for oncology models within the Discovery Research group. This individual will lead the development, validation, and execution of preclinical oncology studies focused on cell line development, tumor inoculation, and measurement best practices, while supporting a range of in vivo study types including efficacy, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, tolerability, dosimetry, and ex vivo tissue analysis.

The successful candidate will play a central role in advancing preclinical oncology research through CDx and PDx model development and integration of PET/SPECT, CT, MRI. This hands-on, laboratory-based position requires strong expertise in in vivo pharmacology, tumor biology, and preclinical model development within a CRO or industry setting. The Senior Scientist will work closely with study directors, Scientific Leads and cross-functional partners to ensure high-quality, reproducible data, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to process optimization within the Discovery organization.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Manage a team of 4–6 junior staff members, ensuring effective coordination and task execution
• Track study timelines, deliverables, and maintain high standards of data quality and documentation.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to lab leads and junior scientists.
• Oversee training programs for new hires and refresher training for existing staff.
• Serve as the first point of contact for complex staff questions and performance concerns.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and development check-ins.
• Lead onboarding and integration of new team members.

Study Support & Execution

• Manage cell culture lab to include; care and maintenance of equipment and space.
• Skilled in cell culture, inoculation, aseptic technique and contamination prevention.
• Participate in protocol development and review with Discovery Research and cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate study scheduling and establish timelines of delivery of cells for inoculation.
• Execute dosing and surgical procedures, including tumor induction (xenograft models), IV, IP, SC, IM, PO administrations, perfusion, tissue resection, microdissection, biological sampling, survival surgery, and necropsy.
• May assist in image acquisition (PET, SPECT, CT, MRI and BLI) and related procedures.
• Handle radioactive and BSL2 materials, including sample processing, gamma counting, and proper waste disposal.
• Ensure strict adherence to laboratory SOPs and regulatory guidelines (IACUC, radiation safety, lab safety).
• Monitor and report on animal health in collaboration with attending veterinarian.

Scientific Communication & Process Improvement

• Present study data to internal teams and sponsors.
• Prepare reports, slide decks, and summaries for senior leadership.
• Support regulatory and QA/QC inspections; ensure team readiness and documentation accuracy.
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement process enhancements (e.g., SOPs, automation tools).
• Contribute to strategic planning by evaluating and integrating new models and methodologies.

Functional Competencies (Technical knowledge/Skills)

• Hands-on experience with building in vivo oncology models, which could include subcutaneous xenograft, patient-derived xenograft (PDX), syngeneic, or humanized mouse models
• Expertise in standard in vivo techniques (IV dosing, surgical procedures, biological sampling).
• Demonstrated experience in handling small animals, especially for oncology studies
• Microdissection of specific tissues (e.g., lymph nodes, brain sections)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Animal Science, or related field with 15 years of relevant in vivo research experience or advanced degree with 10 years of relevant in vivo research experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring laboratory staff.
• Excellent multitasking, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Competence with computer systems and laboratory data platforms.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM, with occasional weekend work as required.

This role is based in the Perceptive office/lab located in Needham, MA. The annual base salary range for this role is $82,150- $155,000. This range represents the anticipated initial annual salary and may vary depending on several factors including the candidate’s experience and skills and may be subject to market rate adjustment.