Virscio is a specialty translational research organization developing and providing innovative in vivo disease modeling, histopathology, and molecular preclinical research and development services to meet the translational, and regulatory research needs of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry. We specialize in the fields of ophthalmology, central nervous system, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immunology related disease and disorders, and have advanced discovery and development programs for a wide network of sponsors, collaborators, and partners around the world, ranging from large pharmaceutical companies and venture-backed biotechnology companies to academic teams seeking to apply the most cutting-edge research and development strategies in the most efficient and robust manner.

 

What will you do?

 

Virscio is seeking a Ph.D. and/or M.D. or D.V.M. trained neuroscientist to serve as Study Director in support of our in vivo preclinical services. The position requires familiarity and fluency with the objectives and methodologies of preclinical animal research related to evaluating the efficacy, pharmacology and safety of new central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics, medical devices, and drug delivery technologies, ideally including experience with nonhuman primate research.

Additionally, the position requires application of knowledge and expertise in identifying and proposing new CNS model development opportunities or improvements to existing models and for managing their characterization and validation across one or more disease areas.

An important component of scientific and commercialization responsibilities will include outreach and engagement with commercial and academic research sponsors to define translational needs and applicable models and development paths and study designs that meet those needs. Proficiency with translational neuroscience methods and familiarity with related scientific fields is critical for both effective communication of company capabilities and coordination of data collection and interpretation, as well as management and oversight of project team members delegated specific technical responsibilities.

 

 

Essential Job Responsibilities

 

• Provide expertise in design, implementation and analysis of in vivo CNS efficacy, PK/PD, and toxicology studies.
• Review preclinical data from other test systems to inform nonhuman primate study design. 
• Contribute to study design and effective protocol development.
• Oversee study planning, initiation, and study completion activities.
• Provide hands-on technical execution of studies as required.
• Oversee data analysis, study report generation and distribution to Virscio’s clients.
• Develop, approve, and distribute study-related documents and other study tools.
• Serve as point of contact for internal communication regarding all aspects of study execution.
• Act as primary point of contact for sponsor study monitors, providing regular updates.
• Contribute to junior scientific staff development through scientific support and oversight.
• Advance scientific and commercial interactions with existing and new sponsoring organizations.
• Support development of new scientific methodologies and optimization of existing test systems.
• Establish an in-depth knowledge of facility SOPs and contribute to their maintenance.
• Contribution to maintenance of good laboratory practices (GLPs) and AAALAC credentials.
• Present company research capabilities and study outcomes at relevant scientific meetings.
• On-site and off-site client, inspector and vendor interactions.

 

 

Who are we looking for?

 

• Requires Ph.D. and/or M.D. or D.V.M. degree, with 2 or more years of CNS related Study Director experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of neuroscience laboratory experience working with in vivo models, preferably including nonhuman primate translational models

 

 

Additional Requirements

 

• Responsive, proactive mentality.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the necessities of fast-paced multi-site research environments.
• Exceptional attention to detail and focus on quality of service and client communication.
• Experience working in a protocol driven environment on in vivo and/or molecular models.
• Experience working with and under IACUC oversight in AAALAC-accredited facilities preferred.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal, communication and presentation skills and comfort interacting with sponsors and leading members of the scientific community.
• Candidates with Study Director experience in two or more of the following related areas preferred: surgery, molecular biology, pathology, cell culture, formulation.
• Experience supervising junior scientists also favored.
• Publication record and demonstrated experience establishing new scientific methodologies.
• Track record of scientific achievement and presentation of findings at scientific meetings.
• Ability to work at our international site in St. Kitts.
• Virscio requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID to ensure personal, team, and animal research safety.

 

 

Location

 

St. Kitts, West Indies

 

 

What we offer?

Virscio provides a competitive, flexible, and comprehensive benefits package that can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Our benefits are designed to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families, offering affordable healthcare coverage, retirement savings plan, and a wide range of voluntary benefits for financial protection and peace of mind, among many other perks.

We are committed to fostering an environment where you feel engaged, empowered, and passionate about your work, while promoting collaborative and empathetic interactions with others.

 

Virscio is bridging the translational gap with critical research to define solutions for significant unmet health challenges. Every day, our community brings their best selves to this shared mission. Join us on our journey and become part of our community.