Research Associate – IV

Job Description

Job Summary:

• External Research Solutions (ERS) is seeking an experienced scientist to support external sourcing.
• Workflows for in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and PK/PD activities across Client’s drug discovery portfolio.
• This is a full-time contractor role and will serve as a coordinator between client project teams, subject matter experts, and external contract research organizations (CROs).
• The role requires strong scientific knowledge and judgment with an enabler mindset, communicates effectively with multiple stakeholders, thrives in a matrix environment, and able to work with evolving information to prioritize the work.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate external in vivo PK, PD, and PK/PD studies at CROs.
• Ensure compliance with external PK workflow and study requirements as outlined in SOPs.
• Understand and work with internal stakeholders and external CRO to participate in devising study.
• Approach, dose selection, sampling strategy, endpoints, bioanalytical requirements, and data interpretation.
• Facilitate externally conducted studies by aligning internal teams and CRO partners on objectives, deliverables, timelines, and scientific expectations.
• Review proposals, protocols, data packages, reports, and execute studies in a timely manner.
• Identify risks and knowledge gaps, resolve barriers, and recommend practical paths forward.
• Support multiple programs while maintaining scientific rigor, responsiveness, accountability, and clear communication.
• Track requests, manage workflow, operations and logistics including tracking of KPIs to ensure timely completion.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 10+ years of industry experience, Master’s degree with 5+ or PhD with 1-3+ years of industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in vivo PK, PD, PK/PD, and preclinical drug discovery.
• Small molecule, pepProduct, and/or large molecule PK experience is preferred.
• Experience with reagent provision and/or in vitro biology workflows is highly beneficial.
• Experience working with CROs/Academia-industry partnerships and cross-functional scientific teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to influence without direct authority and operate independently with limited day-to-day direction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex data into practical recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage ambiguity, changing priorities, and multiple assignments in a highly matrixed environment.
• Highly engaged to ensure timely support and able to work with minimum supervision in a short period of time.
• Take ownership of assigned activities, maintain clear documentation, and deliver high-quality work within agreed timelines.
• Ability to work with cross-matrix teams and receive feedback.
• Escalate scientific, quality, or timeline risks promptly and constructively.
• Build effective working relationships quickly and operate as a responsive, solution-oriented service partner.