Associate Director, Pharmacology

Inotiv is a growing, contemporary drug discovery and development company where we “Play to Win” in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges, and together we succeed in delivering world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.

We are seeking a PhD-level scientist with proven expertise in inflammation and immunology, with a focus on musculoskeletal disease and rodent models of arthritis, to lead our Inflammation and Immunology research team. The successful candidate will combine hands-on experimental experience with strategic scientific leadership and client engagement.

Study Responsibilities

• Designs and executes client-sponsored efficacy studies, including compound formulation, animal handling and dosing, and blood and tissue collection.

• Conducts preclinical rodent research, including dosing, model generation/surgeries, functional evaluations, and tissue collection.

• Develops and refines preclinical disease models.

• Collects, analyzes, interprets, and documents experimental data.

• Communicates study results and conclusions to cross-functional teams through reports and presentations.

• Identifies anomalies or inconsistencies in data and resolves experimental issues.

• Supports continuous quality improvement and ensures compliance with SOPs and laboratory policies.

• Publishes research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

• Maintains knowledge of current scientific advances and applies insights to the company’s research strategy.

Scientific Acumen / Project Involvement

• Serves as a scientific leader in inflammation and immunology with expertise in musculoskeletal disease and therapeutic pharmacology.

• Acts as the primary scientific contact for clients and builds strong collaborative partnerships.

• Collaborates with Business Development to support client visits and expand service opportunities.

• Works with study sponsors to develop research strategies, study designs, and protocols.

• Prepares study proposals, pricing, and quotes and supports study contracting.

• Oversees assigned studies, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and client expectations are met.

• Manages study schedules from protocol development through data analysis and final report delivery.

• Coordinates resources (personnel, equipment, and laboratory support) to meet project goals.

• Provides scientific guidance to research staff and study teams in experimental design and execution.

People Management

• Leads the scientific, operational, and administrative activities of the team.

• Develops staff through mentoring, training, and performance management.

• Sets development objectives and ensures adherence to study procedures and SOPs.

• Conducts performance evaluations, provides coaching and feedback, and makes merit recommendations.

• Leads recruitment activities, including hiring requests, interviews, and candidate selection.

• Promotes an inclusive environment that supports equal employment opportunity and workforce diversity.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology or a related discipline (e.g., Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology).

• 10 years of preclinical research experience in musculoskeletal disease and rodent models of arthritis.

• Prior people management or team leadership experience in a scientific or research environment.

• Experience directly communicating with clients or study sponsors regarding study design, protocols, progress, and results.

• Advanced knowledge of immunology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology related to musculoskeletal disease.

• Working knowledge of business-related processes, procedures, and regulatory compliance.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and recommend solutions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, leadership, and stakeholders.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect company information and intellectual property.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

These are the physical requirements for the position. Select all that apply.

• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 20 pounds unassisted.

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.

• Fine manipulation, including handling objects or tools and operating controls to perform work.

• Ability to read and interpret materials, verbally communicate, and hear as required.

This position may be offered at different levels depending on a candidate’s combination of education and/or years of experience.

Salary Range: $110,000 – $155,000, adjusted according to the level of the role and the candidate’s relevant experience and/or education. Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities.

Benefits: Health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k), and more.

Position Status: Open until filled.

*This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience.  The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person’s relevant experience and/or education level.

Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we “Play to Win” in an industry rich with opportunity.  Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.  There’s an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual’s unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people’s lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen.  Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.