Job Details

Position: Senior Scientist, In Vivo - Cell & Gene Therapy

Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000 / yr

Location: Carlsbad, CA (on-site)

About Pharmaron

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit

Job Overview

Pharmaron is seeking a Senior Scientist / Study Director to join our In Vivo team. In this role, you will lead preclinical in-vivo studies as the single point of control, ensuring scientific rigor, compliance, and effective collaboration. You'll design, oversee, and interpret studies that advance pharmaceutical and cell and gene therapy programs, with a focus on immunocompromised mouse models.

As a key liaison between sponsors, scientists, veterinary staff, and business partners, you will shape study strategies across therapeutic areas such as toxicology, biodistribution, oncology, immunology (B- and T-cells), and CNS research - driving innovative solutions that accelerate drug development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and lead in vivo studies evaluating CNS-targeted therapies-including cell and gene therapy candidates-with a focus on biodistribution, efficacy, and toxicity assessments
• Perform and optimize stereotaxic surgeries (ICV, IT, etc.) in rodents
• Conduct and interpret a broad range of behavioral assays (e.g., motor, cognitive, pain, etc.)
• Act as Study Director on GLP/non-GLP studies, ensuring study execution aligns with applicable guidelines
• Prepare and maintain IACUC protocols and ensure animal welfare compliance in all procedures
• Author detailed study protocols, technical reports, and regulatory documents
• Train and mentor junior staff in surgical, behavioral, and technical procedures
• Maintain accurate documentation and data integrity in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations
• Experience with neuroimaging, electrophysiology, or molecular techniques a plus
• Provide subject matter expertise in animal handling, restraint, dosing, and surgical procedures in rodents.
• Act as a liaison between sponsors and internal teams, fostering transparent communication and timely responses to sponsor requests.
• Ensure all study activities adhere to regulatory guidelines (USDA, FDA, AAALAC, OSHA) and IACUC protocols.
• Contribute to internal research projects aimed at expanding and optimizing service offerings.
• Perform other duties as directed by Management.

What We're Looking For

• PhD. in a relevant scientific field with 3+ years of laboratory animal research experience.
• Proven track record as Study Director and team leadership within a preclinical or CRO environment.
• Strong background in cell and gene therapy programs, with hands-on expertise in animal models and surgical procedures.
• Hands-on experience developing and characterizing in vivo models of CNS diseases.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical analysis software.
• Skilled in technical writing of study protocols, reports, and documentation for GLP studies.
• Solid foundation in physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology with application in preclinical settings.
• CRO experience and Board Certification in Toxicology (DABT) highly desirable.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

Collaborative Culture: You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.

Benefits

• Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision with significant employer contributions
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 100% Employer-paid Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Insurance
• 401k plan with generous employer match
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply

Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affym. ... Pharmaron values and in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.

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