Principal Scientist (DMPK)

Company Description

Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) is an innovative, research-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company based in China and the United States focused on bringing transformative medicines for oncology, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders to patients in China and around the world. Our goal is to leverage our competencies and resources to positively impact human health worldwide.

Founded in 2014, our experienced team has secured partnerships with leading global biopharmaceutical  companies, generating a broad and late-stage pipeline of innovative drug candidates. Based on our proven  track record of  success, Zai Lab has earned the reputation as a trusted partner of choice for global biopharmaceutical companies seeking to not only access the Chinese market but also find a long-term strategic partner for global clinical development.  Our unique business model builds on our in-licensed assets and innovative partnerships to expand our internal discovery and development capabilities and has created a portfolio of potential best-in-class and/or first-in-class therapies. Zai currently has four products on the market in China

Zai Lab was successfully listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market in September 2017 and completed secondary listing on Hong Kong Stock Exchange in September 2020. In 2022, Zai Lab became dual-primary listed on both the Nasdaq and the Hong Kong Stock Exchanges. Since its inception, Zai Lab has expanded significantly with several offices across China. In 2021, Zai Lab established its U.S. Headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  As of January 2022, the Company has a global team of approximately 2000 employees.

Job Description

The Principal Scientist, DMPK, is a senior scientific contributor who provides expert support to drug discovery and development programs. This role focuses on designing and executing DMPK studies, interpreting data, and collaborating cross-functionally, while aligning with the strategic direction set by the Executive Director.

• Independently design and oversee in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in preclinical species; author and critically review study protocols to ensure scientific rigor.
• Lead coordination and collaboration with CROs and internal cross-functional teams to secure quotes, manage study materials, provide expert scientific input, and ensure high-quality execution of study activities.
• Provide advanced problem-solving expertise in the development of bioanalytical methods and the analysis of samples for large molecules.
• Perform and guide pharmacokinetic data analysis using Phoenix, ensuring accuracy and relevance to program goals.
• Interpret complex pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data to support both discovery and development-stage projects.
• Effectively communicate and present PK findings to cross-functional program teams, influencing decision-making and strategy.
• Actively contribute to and provide scientific leadership within discovery and development project teams.
• Play a key role in the preparation and critical review of study reports and regulatory documents, ensuring alignment with submission standards and timelines.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD degree with five years of relevant industry experience; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Proficiency in reading and writing in both Chinese and English.

Preferred

• Deep understanding of PK and ADME concepts.
• Extensive hands-on experience in pharmacokinetics, with a proven ability to design and interpret studies independently.
• Proficiency in Phoenix or other advanced data management and modeling software tools.
• Strong background in PK/PD analysis, design, interpretation, and simulation.
• Hands-on experience in the development of bioanalytical methods in support of preclinical PK studies for large molecules.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Alignment with Zai Lab’s core values of excellence, patient-centered care, and collaboration; must be resourceful, self-driven, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Unwavering commitment to the highest standards of personal integrity and professional ethics.

Additional Information

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $156K and $182K/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

This position can be located in either one of our base locations: South San Francisco, San Diego, or Cambridge, MA.

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

At Zai, we are proud of the gender diversity of our company and our promotion of women in biotech. We have achieved gender base pay equity at all levels, 58% of our employees are women and 54% of our management positions are held by women. We are committed to the health of patients and our planet. That’s why our environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance strategy, called “Trust for Life” is integrated within our business.

Disclaimer: This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirement for the position. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability.

Zai Lab is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information we collect and to being transparent about the purposes for which we use your information. We have a Privacy Notice which sets forth our policies and practices for handling the information we collect and use in the employment context.  Privacy Notice available upon request.