Director, Preclinical PKPD Modeling

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Ridgefield Preclinical PKPD Modeling team, ensuring alignment with global Preclinical PKPD Modelling and DDS objectives. Set clear goals, prioritize resources, and foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of up to 5 PKPD Modeling scientists. Foster an open, collaborative, and growth-oriented culture through regular feedback, performance reviews, and career development activities. Recruit, onboard, and develop talent to build a highly innovative and impactful modeling team.
• Drive the development and implementation of innovative state-of-the-art PKPD modeling approaches, including empirical, mechanistic, and quantitative systems pharmacology models. Focus on advancing NBEs (new biological entity) and NTMs (new therapeutic modalities) and model-informed translational strategies towards high-quality human efficacious dose predictions.
• Represent PK/PD modeling in multidisciplinary drug discovery project teams and the global Preclinical PKPD Modelling Leadership Team. Build strong partnerships with Discovery Research, Clinical Pharmacology, Biotherapeutics Discovery, and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of modeling expertise across our therapeutic areas (e.g., Immunology & Respiratory, Cardio-Renal-Metabolic, and Oncology Discovery Research).
• Drive the adoption of new modeling methodologies, technologies, and best practices as part of Discovery Research. Develop translational strategies in close collaboration with global teams. Increase the visibility and impact of preclinical PKPD modeling within Boehringer Ingelheim and the broader scientific community.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality PKPD modeling outputs, including study design for preclinical PK, biomarker, and pharmacology studies. Ensure clear communication of results to guide model-informed decision-making in drug discovery and provide a good basis for clinical development teams.
• Present research at internal and external scientific meetings, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and represent the department in committees and forums. Ensure compliance with regulations, SOPs, and company policies, maintaining accurate records and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

Requirements

• PhD in related field or equivalent area of focus with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience in Pharmacometrics / Preclinical PKPD Modeling in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, or academia or
• Master’s degree in in related field medicine or equivalent area of focus with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience in Pharmacometrics / Preclinical PKPD Modelling in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, or academia or
• Professional degree in pharmacy or medicine (e.g., PharmD, MD, Apotheker, Arzt) with a minimum of 7 years relevant experience in Pharmacometrics / Preclinical PKPD Modelling in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, or academia.
• Minimum of 4 years’ relevant experience in working in drug discovery teams preferred.
• Proficiency in applying PMx/PKPD/QSP modeling with impact on decision making. Along with experience with empirical and PBPK modeling for NBEs preferred. Deep knowledge of drug discovery process, MID3, and preferentially regulatory guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, influence cross-functional teams, and build effective working relationships.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with first experience of developing and inspiring scientific teams. In depth scientific and strategic knowledge in the field and knowledge of overall drug discovery process.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a team and focus their energy on achieving business goals.
• Process and performance-oriented, constant drive to develop and implement innovative approaches and processes.
• Ability to challenge processes and procedures, propose changes, and perform contributions to problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills, with a strong publication and presentation record.