Senior Associate Scientist

Job Description:

As a privately-owned, biopharmaceutical company, Ferring pioneers and delivers life-changing therapies that help people build families and live better lives. Our independence helps us cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and long-term perspective that enables us to achieve growth and scale, while remaining agile and true to our ‘people first’ philosophy. Built on a 70-year plus commitment to science and research, Ferring is relentless in its pursuit of science that drives powerful discoveries and therapies to help people build families, stay healthy, and stand up to the world’s oldest enemy: disease.  

The SAS or Scientist I, in vivo biology will be a critical member of the scientific team responsible for executing end-to-end small animal pharmacology and imaging studies, including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. The qualified candidate will play a pivotal role in preclinically evaluating novel radiopharmaceuticals and generating key data necessary for their progression to IND-enabling studies. This role will offer the right candidate substantial opportunities for career growth and to have a meaningful impact on many aspects of early drug development.   

With Ferring, you will be joining a recognized leader, identified as one of “The World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company, and honored by Fortune with inclusion on its “Change the World List,” for addressing society’s unmet needs. Ferring US is also Great Places to Work® Certified, distinguishing it as one of the best companies to work for in the country. 

Responsibilities:  

• Design and execute in vivo biodistribution studies by SPECT/CT imaging

• Design and execute in vivo pharmacodynamic and “cut & count” gamma counting studies in preclinical rodent models

• Develop and validate xenograft and transgenic tumor models to enable biodistribution and efficacy studies for multiple targets

• Analyze and present data to cross-functional project teams and executive leadership

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary scientists to coordinate and to conduct studies adhering to strict timelines

• Maintain cell lines in preparation for xenografting

• Handle radiolabeled compounds safely, and administer them to rodents, particularly via the IV route

• Propose new project ideas and lead efforts to validate new targets

• Contribute to model selection and other discovery research efforts to address knowledge gaps in projects

• Support vivarium operations including ordering animals, maintaining equipment, and performing husbandry duties, as needed.

• Adhere to established safety practices including ALARA and the 3Rs

• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks for all experiments and contribute to the authoring of standard test methods and data reports

Requirements: 

• PhD in biology or related field with 2+ years relevant experience, OR BS/MS in biology or related field with 5+ years relevant industry experience

• Prior experience with handling radioactive compounds and/or PET/SPECT/CT imaging will be the major differentiator for identifying the right candidate for this role. Experience with dosimetry or compound labeling will be a major plus

• Exceptional hands-on capabilities to independently conduct in vivo studies including dosing (IV, SC, PO, IP), anesthesia, health monitoring, and tissue sampling

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with developing in vivo models including transgenic tumors, xenografts (syngeneic, CDX and PDX), spontaneous or genetic models, orthotopic models, and humanized mice.

• Experience with optical imaging by IVIS

• Familiarity with SPECT imaging software and pre/post processing

• Knowledge of in vivo models of oncology and immunology and general knowledge of tumor biology and mouse physiology

• Strong organizational, planning, and scheduling skills with a proven record of ability to multitask in a collaborative setting

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written

Ferring + you    

At Ferring, we offer competitive total compensation along with an exceptional range of flexible benefits, personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential