Monday, June 11, 2012

Director of Genetic Toxicology position at Merck

Director of Genetic Toxicology-PRE000311

Job Description

This position entails managing a genetic toxicology group that supports all aspects of drug development.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Working with drug discovery scientists to help select non genotoxic molecules and metabolites, by understanding the chemical structures and by designing appropriate genotoxicity screening strategies
Overseeing genetic toxicology testing in support of regulatory filings
Collaborating with chemists in drug synthesis design and analytical sciences for proactive control of potentially mutagenic impurities
Collaborating with toxicologists and regulatory staff to develop strategies to resolve regulatory and safety issues related to genetox in drug development, at all stages from early clinical development through mature products, including impurities/degradates.
Collaborating with investigative toxicology groups to incorporate DNA damage and genetic toxicology endpoints into early safety screening.   Assessing new test methods and screening strategies

Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement:
Advanced degree in biological/biochemical sciences, with a minimum of 6 years post-doctoral experience.
Required Experience and Skills:
Broad knowledge and hands-on experience both in fundamental genetic toxicology, and in understanding of regulatory guidelines.
Recognition for their expertise in the genetic toxicology field, with appropriate publication record and participation in collaborative projects across organizations.
Extensive experience in carrying out genetic toxicology testing to support regulatory filings, and to support selecting and development of new drug candidates.  
In depth experience in problem solving related to regulatory issues and to drug discovery genetox strategies in the pharmaceutical industry.
Expertise in chemistry of structure-activity-relationships for mutagenic potential and understanding of drug metabolism is necessary to contribute to providing advice to drug discovery programs, to Process Chemistry for control of impurities, and to occupational health testing. 
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Preferred  Experience and Skills - 
Experience in managing a group.
Knowledge of chemical carcinogenesis. Experience in toxicology and drug development an advantage for potential opportunities in managing drug development projects
Our employees are the key to our company's success.  We demonstrate our commitment to our employees by offering a competitive and valuable rewards program.  Merck's benefits are designed to support the wide range of goals, needs and lifestyles of our employees, and many of the people that matter the most in their lives.

To be considered for this position, please visit our career site at www.merck.com/careers to create a profile and submit your resume for requisition # PRE000311.  Merck is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V - proudly embracing diversity in all of its manifestations.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully: 
Merck is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.  Please, no phone calls or emails.  All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Merck via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Merck.  No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Merck as a result of the referral or through other means.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Carl Cranor named to California Biomonitoring Board


Carl F. Cranor, an ETOX faculty member and professor of philosophy, has been appointed to the Scientific Guidance Panel of the California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program.  As described in the article in UCR Today, the Scientific Guidance Panel makes recommendations about the biomonitoring program’s design and implementation — including the identification of chemicals that are a priority for monitoring in California — and providing scientific peer review.  Our congratulations to Carl on his most recent appointment. 

Friday, June 1, 2012

Janet Arey wins Haagen-Smit Clean Air Award

ETOX faculty member Janet Arey was recently awarded the Haagen-Smit Clean Air Award for Air Pollution Research by the California EPA Air Resources Board (ARB) in recognition of her lasting contributions to the health and well-being of Californians.  Our congratulations to Janet for this well deserved honor.  Below is a picture of Janet with the award as well as ETOX alumni Eric Kwok, Al Alvarado, and Pamela Gupta who work at the ARB.  ETOX faculty member Roger Atkinson (the 2004 winner of the same award) and Ralph Propper, a long-time associate at the ARB.  More information about the award can  be found at the CalEPA website.