Sosei Group Corporation (trading as Sosei Heptares) is a research-focused biotechnology group, publicly listed in Japan (TSE: 4565) and with sites in Tokyo, London and Cambridge (UK).

Our mission is to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life and health of people around the world. To achieve this, we will discover, design and develop the most innovative and effective medicines for patients worldwide, through our world-leading patent-protected technology and platform.

Our primary focus is the discovery, design and development of new medicines originating from its proprietary G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) targeted StaR® technology and Structure Based Drug Design (SBDD) platform capabilities. The company is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of partnered and in-house drug candidates in multiple therapeutic areas including neurology, immuno-oncology, gastroenterology, inflammation and other rare/specialty diseases. Its leading clinical programs include partnered candidates aimed at the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (with Allergan) and next generation immuno-oncology approaches to treat cancer (with AstraZeneca). Our additional partners and collaborators include Novartis, Pfizer, Daiichi-Sankyo, PeptiDream, Kymab and MorphoSys.

Sosei Heptares has approximately 145 employees based at its new R&D research facility at Granta Park, Cambridge.  The size of the company ensures a transparent linkage between all activities from early discovery through to clinical development.

Sosei Heptares currently has an opportunity for a talented and experienced Modelling and Simulation Scientist to join the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) team.  We have a strong and diverse pipeline covering multiple therapeutic areas (TAs) aimed at delivering innovative life changing medicines.  DMPK works across Discovery and Early Development and is focussed on delivering a quantitative and mechanistic understanding of PK/PD/efficacy relationships to drug discovery and development teams.  In this position you will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate modelling and simulation strategies are in place from lead identification through to Candidate Nomination and beyond.

The role will encompass:

• Be an active member of the DMPK team providing data to characterise the DMPK and PKPD properties of molecules that underpin human predictions.
• Work closely with Chemistry and Biology teams driving activities that build a quantitative understanding of the mode of action of new molecules.
• Contribute to the design of in vivo efficacy studies to ensure high quality data are generated for PKPD modelling.
• Responsible for bringing scientific expertise in the field of modelling and simulation to ensure the most appropriate candidates are selected for progression to the clinic.
• Help to define acceptable PK properties within a molecule and evolve optimal dose routes and regimens to deliver differentiated efficacy.
• Play a vital role along with Safety Assessment to provide optimal dosing schedules to enhance therapeutic margins.
• Provide input to individual Project Teams and contribute to the review of PKPD strategies across the portfolio.
• Continuously help to refine our understanding as early clinical data become available.

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Educated to PhD level
• Significant experience working across Discovery and Early Development
• Hands on experience of Phoenix software for pharmacokinetic NCA and modelling
• Extensive hands-on experience of PBPK Modelling software such as GastroPlus
• Track record of the application and use of human PK prediction methods
• Comprehensive knowledge of building PK/PD/efficacy relationships and human dose predictions
• Demonstrated ability to work in a matrix environment, multi-task, meet deadlines and deal with evolving priorities
• Expert technical knowledge of DMPK and good understanding of the relationship between PhysChem properties and drug design
• Demonstrated ability to design appropriate DMPK strategies in the Lead Optimisation phase
• Experience as a DMPK Representative on Discovery Project Teams
• Some experience in therapeutic areas of interest e.g. CNS, Immuno-oncology, GI

Applicants must be able to demonstrate proof of the right to work in the United Kingdom

We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and benefits package including pension and healthcare schemes.

The successful candidate will be employed by Heptares Therapeutics Ltd, a UK wholly owned subsidiary of Sosei Group Corporation. 

Applications should include a covering letter, providing a short description of the background to their interest in the role, with curriculum vitae including the names and contact details for two referees. Please send your application in pdf format, quoting reference number 2020/1TS.

The closing date for applications is 14th February 2020.

Strictly no agencies.