Job Details

Principal Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

Who We Are

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico's highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity‑driven discovery science, and its vibrant drug‑development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Principal In Vivo Pharmacologist to join our dynamic Drug Discovery Team. This role will focus on developing program‑specific in vivo pharmacology strategies, pharmacodynamics/efficacy models, and establishing preclinical in vivo pharmacology proof‑of‑concept (PoC) and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships within our Translational Drug Discovery portfolio programs, focusing on neurodegenerative‑ and/or oncology‑related disease indications. The ideal candidate will possess deep scientific expertise, strong technical skills, and proven leadership abilities to manage complex projects and external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Preclinical Strategy: Act as a key scientific leader, defining and executing the preclinical in‑vivo pharmacology strategy for multiple drug discovery programs.
• Neurodegeneration and/or Tumor Biology Expertise: Apply specialized and deep expertise in the disease pathology and pathogenesis to guide project direction.
• Model Development & Validation: Lead the development, characterization, and selection of relevant in‑vivo models for target validation, compound screening, and mechanism‑of‑action studies, including establishing rigorous endpoints and ensuring model fidelity.
• Study Design & Execution: Design sophisticated pharmacology and efficacy studies, overseeing their execution, and ensuring they are conducted to the highest scientific and ethical standards.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Perform meticulous data analysis, interpret key findings, and translate complex results into actionable insights that inform crucial project go/no‑go decisions.

Project Management & External Partnerships

• Primary Project Contact: Serve as the primary scientific contact for assigned project teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment of in‑vivo efforts with overall program goals.
• CRO and External Partner Management: Strategically manage relationships with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and external academic or industry partners, which includes:
  • Identifying and vetting appropriate partners
  • Driving strategy, managing contracts, and overseeing study execution by external groups
  • Ensuring the quality and timely delivery of external data
• Key Decision Maker: Proactively communicate findings to leadership and project teams to inform and drive key project decisions (e.g., candidate selection, IND‑enabling strategy).

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Tumor Biology, or a related field, with 8+ years of postdoctoral experience, including 4‑6 years in the biopharma industry.
• Proven track record of success in preclinical in‑vivo pharmacology, with a focus on neurodegenerative and/or oncology diseases.
• Expert‑level understanding of neurodegenerative and/or oncology disease pathogenesis, animal model development, and standard pharmacological study designs (PK/PD, efficacy).
• Extensive experience selecting, managing, and collaborating with CROs and/or academic partners to execute in‑vivo studies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Must be able to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts, present data to diverse audiences, and write high‑quality technical reports and regulatory documents.
• Must be willing to work onsite 5 days a week.

The estimated base salary range for this role is $198,000 - $207,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.