Associate Director/Director, DMPK

Preclinical Sciences       ·      San Francisco, San Diego OR Remote     ·      Full time

Company Overview

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.  

Role Summary

The DMPK function is a part of the Preclinical Sciences and is dedicated to the delivery of high-quality discovery candidates in the immunology and oncology research TAs. We are currently seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as an Associate Director of DMPK. The individual will have a strong experimental background and an established track record of DMPK assay development and technical problem solving. The successful candidate ideally has experience supporting and influencing project teams with in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo DMPK data in drug discovery and development phases.

Key Responsibilities

• DMPK support of small molecule drug discovery programs through use of customized in vitro assays, involving use of established and novel sub-cellular and cell-based systems (e.g. microsomes, hepatocytes, Caco-2, MDCK-MDR cell lines, long term co-culture models, organoids) and in vivo ADME experiments, with analysis primarily through LC/MS detection
• Implement in house strategies for metabolic profiling/structure elucidation, DDI, understanding metabolic liabilities to support discovery and development projects, including execute workflows designed to inform a Metabolites in Safety Testing (MIST) strategy and toxicology/TK assessments
• Design and coordinate studies at CRO’s. Participate in the management of CROs in the conduct of in vitro/in vivo ADME studies including, and up till, 14C-mass balance and QWBA studies
• Prepare preclinical DMPK reports according to regulatory standards. When needed, coauthor (under supervision) high quality regulatory documents like INDs, DSURs etc.
• Play a key role in the selection of lead compounds and nomination of development candidates, collaborating closely with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical pharmacology teams
• Demonstrates technical knowledge in high resolution LC-MS/MS, with breadth of ADME analytical instrumentation experience

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 8+ years, Masters with 11+ years, Bachelors with 14+ years of relevant industry experience in the field of ADME/PK
• Expertise in a key DMPK subdiscipline, such as, drug metabolism, enzymology, preclinical PK/PD, modeling-simulation and DDI risk assessment, with a working knowledge in other areas
• Understanding of the role of physicochemical properties, drug metabolizing enzyme, transporters, pharmacokinetics, mechanistic biotransformation and analytical sciences in drug discovery
• Demonstrated capability to mentor junior scientists in a matrix environment, build strong relationships cross functionally and with academic and CRO partners
• Demonstrated project team experience and ability to work effectively in a matrixed, global environment as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong problem solver who is highly organized with the ability to thrive in an environment with rapidly changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to develop solid, long term relationships and the ability to influence others, and adept at working across multiple cross-functional areas.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

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
• Generous parental leave
• Flexible work schedule
• 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.

Work authorization to work in the US is required.

Pay range for this role is between $164,400 – $180,000

Please click here to apply.