Drug Discovery Scientist

About the Work Unit:The Drug Discovery Scientist is part of the Basic Sciences Pod 3 in the School of Medicine at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for designing, developing and conducting experiments. This position requires excellent communication skills; including presenting verbal and written reports to the project team. The highly motivated scientist will be an integral part of the drug discovery team and be willing to assist in other responsibilities. Reporting to the Principal Investigator or project leader, the Drug Discovery works with faculty, staff, and other members of the Team.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.Key Functions and Expected Performance:- Overseeing/facilitating the design, execution, analysis, and reporting of a wide range of small molecule discovery-stage in vivo DMPK assays and studies (non-GLP). Maintain up to date, accurate, and standardized records of experiments/assays.- Shared supervision and management of research assistants, laboratory operations/instrumentation, and DMPK group resources and deliverables.- Write and submit IACUC protocols and manage existing protocols. Interact with the IACUC and Animal Facility personnel to resolve potential issues and day-to-day operation.- Handle small animals and prepare them for DMPK experiments. Administer small molecule compounds PO, IP, IV or SC. Draw blood at specific time points and prepare plasma for shipping to DMPK lab. Collect tissues as requested by DMPK lab.- 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.Supervisory Relationships:This position does have supervisory responsibility; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.Education and Experience:- Ph.D. degree in pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a similar position within a pharmaceutical company, biotechnology company, or academic drug discovery organization is required.- 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 PK related 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.General Characteristics of a Successful Vanderbilt University Staff Member:Acceptance of Feedback – Takes constructive criticism with grace, and make improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges. When wrong, owns it – freely admits mistakes.Adaptability – Reads cues and adapt accordingly. Adjusts style and approach to accommodate the styles and needs of others. Can anticipate and effectively de-escalate potential conflicts.Analytical & Detail-Oriented – Accurately assesses information and applies applicable law, policy and procedure. Considers the long term implications of actions today and advises employees appropriately. Even small mistakes can create big issues; attention to detail work indicates care about the outcomes. Assumes Positive Intent – Assume that others are working and taking action with good intentions. They may not have all the information yet and asking thoughtful questions and providing information is critical to mutual understanding and moving forward with successAutonomous – Self-managing; self-motivated. Manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track. Cleans up after themselvesCORE COMPETENCIES:Use critical thinking and analytical skills to identify problems and provide examples of corrective actions and follow through with corrective actionsPlan, 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 dutiesAt Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story. Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity 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.Full timePosting Date: 2026-06-10