Principal Research Scientist VI

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist to join our expanding small molecule research portfolio. In this role, you will provide scientific leadership and integrate DMPK strategies to advance drug discovery projects across multiple therapeutic areas. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage outsourced studies, and serve as a subject matter expert internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as DMPK project representative on global, cross-functional small molecule project teams to achieve project goals.
• Provide expert guidance on experimental plans and data interpretation, with specialization in ADME/PK/DDI or PK/PD modeling and simulation.
• Troubleshoot complex scientific challenges independently and collaboratively.
• Design, implement, and interpret DMPK studies in partnership with CROs.
• Analyze and integrate complex datasets to inform project decisions and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate documentation of experiments and data.
• Contribute to manuscripts, project documents, and milestone reports.
• Represent the organization at scientific conferences and global meetings as a subject matter expert.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing to achieve business goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Ph.D. with 6–10+ years project-facing experience, OR
  • Master’s with 12+ years, OR
  • Bachelor’s with 18+ years relevant experience.
• Expertise:
  • Depth in metabolism, biotransformation, or PK/PD modeling.
  • Strong understanding of ADME principles and drug-drug interaction risk assessment.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 3+ years on discovery project teams (hit-to-lead, lead optimization).
• Skills:
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to analyze complex data and provide strategic insights.
  • Comfortable interacting with chemists, pharmacologists, and cross-functional colleagues.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, MA.

The pay range for this position is $71.00 - $71.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 19, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.