Pharmacologist

Position Title: Pharmacology & DMPK Scientist

Location: Nerviano, MI

Contract type: fixed term (1 year)

About Nerviano Medical Sciences (NMS)

Nerviano Medical Sciences (NMS) is headquartered within the Nerviano BioPark, a 100,000 sqm hub of biotech innovation located near Milan, Italy. With a legacy spanning from target identification through early clinical development, NMS has generated over 1,500 granted patents and applications and delivered transformative medicines to the oncology space.

Over the decades, NMS has built long-standing partnerships with leading academic institutions and pharmaceutical organizations, positioning itself as a trusted player in oncology R&D. Notably, NMS discovered and developed Encorafenib and Entrectinib, now commercialized by Pfizer and Roche, respectively. More recently, Onvansertib, licensed to Cardiff Oncology, has shown promising results in a randomized Phase II study, as highlighted in the Q4 2024 clinical update.

Today, NMS is advancing a proprietary pipeline of kinase and PARP inhibitors, as well as innovative payloads designed to deliver first-in-class small-molecule therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers. Backed by robust preclinical and clinical data, our programs are driven by a strong scientific rationale and a commitment to precision oncology.

NMS benefits from a seasoned leadership team with deep expertise in global oncology drug development and a proven track record of bringing innovative therapies to market. Our lean, agile teams operate with a forward-looking mindset, enabling excellence in execution from discovery through early clinical stages.

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Mission of the Role

The Pharmacology & DMPK Scientist will play a critical role in supporting the preclinical development of NMS's oncology pipeline. This position will provide deep scientific expertise in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and translational pharmacology, enabling data-driven decisions in early-stage drug discovery and development. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with internal functions and external partners to accelerate the progression of innovative therapies toward clinical stages.

Key Responsibilities

DMPK and Translational Pharmacology Strategy

• Deliver expert support on DMPK and PK/PD aspects of nonclinical programs.
• Design, interpret, and guide in vitro and in vivo DMPK and pharmacology studies.
• Develop and apply translational PK/PD models to project human efficacious doses.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with medicinal chemists, biologists, and other discovery scientists to optimize compound design and selection.
• Contribute to early drug candidate profiling and data interpretation in project team discussions.

Modeling & Simulation

• Perform pharmacokinetic simulations to guide dose predictions and study designs.
• Leverage modeling tools to support human dose projections and inform regulatory strategies.

Regulatory and Clinical Interface

• Support the preparation of IND-enabling documents and regulatory submissions.
• Provide input for bioanalytical strategies and data interpretation across development stages.
• Offer occasional support in clinical pharmacology, bridging nonclinical and clinical data.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• PhD or equivalent in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in drug discovery with a focus on DMPK and translational pharmacology.
• Hands-on background in ADME data analysis and its integration into project decision-making.

Skills & Knowledge

• Expertise in PK/PD modeling and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for preclinical pharmacology and bioanalysis.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and communicate effectively in a scientific and strategic context.

Languages

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Italian will be considered a plus.

What's in it for You

• Opportunity to join a science-driven organization with a bold oncology pipeline and strong strategic focus.
• High-impact role at the intersection of discovery and development, with visibility across senior scientific leadership.
• A collaborative, flexible working environment with hybrid/remote options.
• The chance to directly contribute to therapies that could significantly impact patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.