Senior Principal Scientist, Pharmacokinetics

South San Francisco, CA · full time · Lead / Staff / Principal

$194,100 – $305,600

Listed on Merck’s own careers site. You apply with them directly — we never stand between you and the employer.

What this role is

This role leads drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) strategy for an established pharma company's conjugate and novel modality programs, requiring someone with 12+ years of deep expertise in translational pharmacology and the ability to manage scientific teams across discovery and development.

Our summary, not Merck’s wording. The full posting is on their site.

Skills this role names

What they ask for

Required

Master's degree with 15+ years or Ph.D. with 12+ years in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, pharmaceutical sciences, or related discipline
Extensive experience in DMPK, ADME, pharmacokinetics, and translational science with demonstrated scientific impact
Deep expertise in ADME, PK, PK/PD, bioanalysis, and translational interpretation applied to drug conjugates or biologics
Ability to design, interpret, and integrate in vitro and in vivo data for program progression and regulatory strategy
Experience as DMPK representative on cross-functional teams influencing program strategy
Understanding of nonclinical-to-clinical translation and IND-enabling requirements
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and senior audiences
Strong collaboration, mentoring, and talent development capabilities
Direct management of a team of principal investigators and scientific experts

Nice to have

Track record of scientific leadership shaping strategy and driving decisions in portfolio environments
Experience with small molecule ADME drug discovery applicable to conjugates
Familiarity with model-informed drug discovery approaches including PBPK, population PK, or exposure-response
Demonstrated external scientific visibility through publications, presentations, or consortia participation