1.0 JOB SUMMARY
The role of the Pain Scientist is to develop and execute relevant disease in vivo models to generate robust pharmacological and disease relevant biological data for preclinical research studies for our client biotech or pharma companies.
2.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Key Activities
• Presents effectively to others in internal meetings.
• Is able to engage in scientific debates and discussions making meaningful contributions. Shares knowledge with wider company team and may contribute to work and critique of work outside of immediate area of responsibility.
• Critically summarizing and producing experimental data and key findings for clients and internal stakeholders
• Ensures data integrity is maintained through the correct, prescriptive procedure of logging client data.
• Collaborates in developing new disease models and conducting more independent research, translating information from scientific literature into the experimental design
• Trains others in technical and analytical aspects of the role.
• May supervise the activities of others on a day to day basis and take on mentoring responsibilities
• Hands-on execution of in vivo preclinical studies in line with protocol and guidelines
• Be an effective, collaborative hands-on member of the in vivo/ in vitro team, contributing to the overall work of the team as required
• Engages with peers to ensure their knowledge is current with latest scientific literature and new technologies in company-relevant projects and general scientific areas.
• Undertakes independent analysis and interpretation of data to draw results. Seeks peer challenge of how they have interpreted results.
• Authors internal and client reports, SOPs, posters, presentations, and supporting documents.
• Works independently to meet specific study goals.
• Self-motivated, flexible and adaptive, demonstrates good prioritisation skills.
• Prioritises workflow to execute multiple complex tasks.
• Can devise and write new protocols and is able to recommend improvements to existing protocols.
• Generating high-quality protocols/study plans and carrying out client study requests within agreed timelines, including delivery of more than one agreed area of work in parallel where appropriate.
• Development and characterization of new models to support project advancement as necessary, with their supervisor
• Looking out for current developments in the literature to support projects
Judgement and problem solving
• Identifies and proposes new approaches or technologies to solve complex project-related or technical problems, evaluating alternative options
• Providing interpretation of the data, identifying innovative ideas and solutions to problems, and putting forward plans for further experiments
• Scientific development through attending departmental meetings and seeking out peer learning opportunities
• Ensuring appropriate use of animals in compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal standards
• Ensuring all Standard Operating Procedures Health and Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to
• Using best judgment to carry out work to the highest standard
• Ensures data integrity is maintained through the correct, prescriptive procedure of logging client data.
• Generating and maintaining clear experimental records
• May participate in business development activities as subject matter expert on areas of expertise.
2.2 Supervisory where applicable
· Share technical and competitive information with colleagues and provide expertise to others when required.
· Promote cooperation within own team as well as between groups and with other departments.
· Explain techniques to new employees and visitors and provide training to staff as required.
· To form close dialog and trust with the team to:
o Ensure both study logistics and timelines are understood at all stages.
o Understand the current technical capability of internal resources.
2.3 INTERACTION
This position requires the individual to serve as an important interface between internal departments (i.e. technical team, sales team, accounting team, other scientists), as well as external groups, (i.e. Sponsors, scientific community). The individual must therefore be well versed in communication skills.
2.4 COMMUNICATION
Communications are with all departments and employees within the organization as well with external companies. Collaboration, execution, and reporting of quality assurance. Verbal communication is required to request and receive instructions for work, to report on activities, results, problems, and to participate in planning and scheduling of work and equipment use. Written communication is required for accurate and detailed recording of procedures, for reporting results and for completing documentation. Reading and comprehension of scientific publications, written protocols and manuals is essential.
3.0 WORKING CONDITIONS
3.1 ENVIRONMENT
Generally working indoors with limited access to natural light. Occasional periods of exposure to noxious odours from diagnostic materials and/or samples. There will also be the occasional need to work with chemicals and/or biohazards in a controlled environment.
3.2 RISK TO HEALTH
There will be the occasional exposure to small quantities of toxic irritant or corrosive chemicals as well as exposure to freezers (-80C) and liquid nitrogen (-200C) while storing, retrieving, shipping, and receiving materials. There is exposure to sharps whilst preparing and performing procedures. There will also be repetitive physical activities. There will be occasional periods of several hours per day performing physically repetitive procedures (typing, etc.). There is also a potential for digital eye strain resulting from prolonged computer use.
5.1 EDUCATION
· Veterinary or graduate level science degree or B.Sc. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Veterinary Sciences, Biology, Neuroscience) with at least 3 years of direct experience.
· A higher degree of Masters or PhD is considered advantageous but not essential to the role.
· HO licence 1-4, including rodent dosing, behavioural testing, surgical techniques, tissue dissections
5.2 Experience
· Preclinical expertise in rodent disease models with a variety of end points in in vivo studies and behavioural pharmacology
· Expertise in the design, development and validation of preclinical studies for compound efficacy profiling and screening; including analysing data and report writing
· Excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills
· Ability to work well within a team, as well as independently and proactively
· Ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
· Highly motivated and ability to be flexible in case of changing priorities.
· 3-5 years’ experience managing projects, research activities, and collaborative initiatives in a science delivery environment.
· Demonstrated experience and comfort in managing animal studies.
· Experience in the delivery of diagnostic or reference laboratory services under a system of quality.
· Experience in managing communications and high-level preparation of study related documentation.
· Experience conducting safety and efficacy studies.
· Experience handling confidential laboratory and scientific data
· Experience executing administrative strategies
· Proven organizational skills and attention to details
· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
5.3 Knowledge
· Knowledge of the basic principles of biology, immunology and chemistry
· Knowledge of the principles of safe handling of potentially pathogenic substances and contaminated materials
· Knowledge of occupational health and safety practices
· Knowledge of the basic principles of scientific research
· Knowledge and understanding of Standard Operating Procedures
· Knowledge of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases
· Knowledge of therapeutic development regulatory guidelines.
· Familiar with development of new products for human and animal health care.