VP, DMPK and Safety/Toxicology

Science    ·       San Francisco      ·    Full time

Atomwise is a technology-enabled pharmaceutical company leveraging the power of AI to revolutionize small molecule drug discovery. The Atomwise team invented the use of deep learning for structure-based drug design; this technology underpins Atomwise’s best-in-class AI discovery engine, which is differentiated by its ability to find and optimize novel chemical matter. Atomwise has extensively validated its discovery engine, delivering success in over 185 projects to-date including a wide-variety of protein types and numerous “hard-to-drug” targets. Atomwise is building a wholly owned pipeline of small-molecule drug candidates, with three programs in lead-optimization and over 30 programs in discovery. The company has raised over $174 million from leading venture capital firms to advance its mission to make better medicines, faster.  

To support its mission, further its progress in enterprise building and leverage its robust discovery engine, Atomwise is building drug development capabilities to fully leverage its small molecule AI expertise to advance molecules into the clinic. You will work closely with Atomwise interdisciplinary teams to provide guidance on DMPK and toxicology strategy across all phases of the pipeline from discovery through early clinical development.

Role Summary 

Atomwise is recruiting an experienced scientific leader to drive the transition of the organization’s internal drug discovery programs with strategic insight and technical leadership in DMPK and non-clinical toxicology.

This role requires excellent communication and leadership skills and in-depth experience with developing critical paths and translational studies to support future clinical activities. As our VP of DMPK & Safety/ Toxicology, you will work effectively with an interdisciplinary team of computational and medicinal chemists, biologists, cheminformaticians, software engineers, CROs, and program managers to define, build, and optimize our diverse portfolio of preclinical programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish ADME and PK strategies and provide guidance to project teams to support Atomwise preclinical programs.  Collaborate with computational scientists and chemists to develop predictive modeling tools.
• Direct the selection and validation of assays and CROs to evaluate all aspects of ADME, PK, and toxicology across diverse target classes and therapeutic areas. Develop critical paths and criteria for continued advancement of lead molecules and selection of development candidates. 
• Develop the non-clinical safety/toxicology strategy, considering creative approaches to meet goals and timelines while maintaining standards to support global regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the discovery, preclinical pharmacology, and translational development plans, including defining key milestones and decision points and timelines, identifying risks and mitigation strategies, study planning and execution, selection of therapeutic indications, and IND filings. 
• Author and review relevant documents to support regulatory interactions and submissions.  
• Communicate progress to internal stakeholders, KOLs, and participate in business presentations with external partners and investors.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical sciences, toxicology or a related scientific discipline plus 15+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Deep understanding of the drug discovery process and regulatory guidelines, with experience advancing small molecule candidates to IND.
• Demonstrated leadership of a preclinical DMPK and/or safety function, and experience in the development of oral drugs across multiple therapeutic areas. 
• Experience with in silico modeling and simulation tools to support ADME, PKPD, and dose prediction.
• Experience in the management of CROs, including evaluation/selection, setting up processes, and quality control.
• Demonstrated track record of clear communication, working with a multidisciplinary team, mentoring, and developing talent.
• Practices first principles thinking to solve problems.       

Compensation & benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Stock compensation plan – you’ll be an Atomwise co-owner
• Platinum health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401k with 4% match
• Funding for professional development and conference attendance
• Flexible work schedule
• Generous parental leave
• High performance culture
• Great colleagues

Atomwise is an equal opportunity employer and strives to foster an inclusive workplace.  Our mission is to develop better medicines faster, and we know that we need a diverse team to develop medicines that serve diverse populations.  Accordingly, Atomwise does not make any employment decisions (including but not limited to, hiring, compensation, and promotions) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

We strongly encourage people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply.

Please click here to apply.