Associate Principal Scientist - Ophthalmology

Job Description

Our company, a global healthcare leader, is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our collaborative, dynamic, and inclusive Laboratory Animal Resources Team at the West Point, PA location.

The successful candidate will have a key role in developing ophthalmic research models in pre-clinical species, specifically in support of our expanding ophthalmology portfolio. The candidate should be a collaborative individual with a high degree of sophistication in problem-solving and the ability to apply ophthalmic expertise to research needs. It is desirable for the candidate to have an understanding of laboratory animal medicine. In this dynamic role, the candidate will support preclinical projects across our company’s Research portfolio in early discovery and in the GLP environment. On-site and direct study-related lab work will be a crucial part of the role. The candidate should demonstrate strong leadership abilities that contribute to the growth and development of the ophthalmic research team within LAR and be capable of providing scientific guidance and mentoring to colleagues and junior staff members. It is crucial for this individual to exercise care to ensure both personnel safety and animal welfare.

Responsibilities:

• Provide subject matter expertise to all aspects of the pipeline with a strong emphasis on ophthalmic research programs and the further development of existing and creating of new modalities and in vivo ophthalmic research models. May conduct or supervise the conduct of technical aspects of ophthalmic animal research projects in field of diabetic retinopathy/diabetic macular edema, age related macular degeneration, Neurological disease-induced ocular diseases (retinopathy), etc. Perform eye exams such as slit lamp, Indirect Ophthalmoscopy in all species of laboratory animals in GLP or non-GLP environment. Provides direction of ocular imaging operation such as Ocular Coherence Tomography, Fluorescein Angiography, Electroretinography, Tomography, etc. Provide direction for specialized ocular research needs, such as ocular surgery, ocular local injection (Intravitreal, subretinal injection, etc.) Provide professional teaching and training to colleagues and junior staff members with ophthalmic research related skill set. Familiar and experienced in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for algorithms of ocular images such as retinal segmentation, etc. Conduct literature searches, selects appropriate animal model(s), contributes to study design, utilizes analyzing software for data analysis and interpretation and prepares reports. Team player who is a creative, independent thinker, thrives in a widely interdisciplinary environment, and enjoys working closely and communicating effectively with colleagues in extremely diverse fields. Experience working with various species in the laboratory animal field providing technical support to biomedical research projects, collaborating with researchers and research staff, training and teaching research and lab animal staff, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, local regulations and AAALACi standards. Ensure close collaboration with principal investigators in various functional areas, scientific staff, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, IACUC members, facility managers, and animal care technicians. Collaborate cross-functionally with ongoing in vivo discovery research and development projects, as well as initiate, develop, and implement special projects to facilitate advancements in laboratory animal care or use that align with ophthalmic research requirements. Advise investigators regarding animal model selection or development. Develop novel, and establish unique animal models as required. Maintain accurate, timely, digitalized, and well-organized records of research protocols, procedures, study data, inventories, and reports in both non-GLP and GLP platforms. Participates fully as a member of assigned project teams or task forces. Communicate study results and data interpretation to cross-functional project teams. Comply with US and our company-specific rules and regulations, e.g., Animal Welfare Act, The Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals, 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principles, FDA, and other regulatory bodies.

Qualifications:

Required:

• You should hold an advanced or professional degree (MD, PhD, DVM, or equivalent)

• You have at least 2 years of experience in the field of ophthalmology in pre-clinical species, either in an industry or academic setting.

• You should be comfortable doing eye exams such as slit lamp, Indirect Ophthalmoscopy to all species of laboratory animal in GLP or non-GLP environment, Ocular Coherence Tomography, Fluorescein Angiography, Electroretinography, Tomography, etc.

• Demonstrable