Application Guide
How to Apply for Associate Director, Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology
at BioNTech
🏢 About BioNTech
BioNTech is a pioneering biotechnology company that gained global recognition for developing the first FDA-approved mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with Pfizer. Beyond infectious diseases, the company maintains a strong focus on individualized cancer immunotherapies, leveraging its mRNA technology platform to create personalized treatments. Working at BioNTech offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge science that transforms patient care through innovative platforms like mRNA, CAR-T cell therapies, and novel small molecules.
About This Role
As Associate Director of Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology at BioNTech, you would lead the design and execution of quantitative pharmacology strategies to inform dose selection, trial design, and regulatory submissions for oncology and infectious disease programs. This role involves developing pharmacometric models (e.g., PK/PD, exposure-response) to support clinical development decisions, potentially impacting therapies ranging from personalized cancer vaccines to next-generation infectious disease vaccines. Your work would directly influence how BioNTech optimizes dosing regimens and advances novel immunotherapies through clinical trials.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing clinical pharmacokinetic data from an ongoing oncology trial, developing exposure-response models to inform dose optimization for a personalized cancer vaccine candidate, and collaborating with clinical development colleagues on study design. You could spend time preparing pharmacometric analyses for an upcoming regulatory submission, participating in cross-functional team meetings to discuss biomarker strategies, and mentoring junior scientists in quantitative methods.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who BioNTech Is Looking For
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Pharm.D.) in pharmacokinetics, pharmacometrics, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field with 5+ years of industry experience in quantitative clinical pharmacology
- Proven expertise in pharmacometric modeling (NONMEM, R, Monolix) and experience supporting oncology or immunology drug development programs
- Strong track record of contributing to regulatory documents (INDs, NDAs, BLAs) and interacting with health authorities like the FDA or EMA
- Experience with innovative therapeutic modalities such as mRNA-based therapies, cell therapies, or bispecific antibodies would be particularly valuable
📝 Tips for Applying to BioNTech
Highlight specific experience with oncology or infectious disease pharmacometric modeling in your resume, as BioNTech's pipeline spans both areas
Emphasize any experience with mRNA-based therapies or novel immunotherapy platforms, as this aligns with BioNTech's core technology
Reference BioNTech's specific pipeline candidates (e.g., BNT111 for melanoma, BNT162 COVID-19 vaccine platform) to show targeted research
Demonstrate how your quantitative pharmacology work has directly impacted clinical trial design or regulatory strategy in previous roles
Show familiarity with FDA's Model-Informed Drug Development (MIDD) initiatives, which are particularly relevant for innovative therapies
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with pharmacometric modeling in oncology or infectious disease contexts, specifically mentioning relevant therapeutic areas', "How your quantitative pharmacology expertise could support BioNTech's dual focus on individualized cancer therapies and mRNA vaccine platforms", "Specific examples of how you've used modeling to solve clinical development challenges or inform regulatory decisions", "Your interest in BioNTech's innovative approach to immunotherapy and how it aligns with your professional goals"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → BioNTech's current clinical pipeline, particularly their oncology candidates (e.g., BNT111, BNT122) and infectious disease programs
- → The company's technology platforms beyond mRNA, including CAR-T cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, and small molecules
- → Recent publications or presentations by BioNTech's clinical pharmacology or pharmacometrics team at conferences like PAGE or ASCPT
- → BioNTech's partnerships (e.g., with Pfizer, Regeneron) and how they influence clinical development strategies
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic pharmacometrics resume without tailoring it to BioNTech's focus on immunotherapies and mRNA technology
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of how quantitative pharmacology differs for innovative modalities versus traditional small molecules
- Not showing awareness of BioNTech's dual focus on oncology and infectious diseases in your application materials
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!