Associate Director, Pharmacology

Company Description 

Eikon Therapeutics is a new biopharmaceutical company employing revolutionary technology at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, computation, and biology to discover novel treatments for life-threatening diseases. Eikon’s discovery platform is built on groundbreaking innovations from its founders (Nobel Prize, 2014), culminating in the creation of microscopes which enable real time, molecular-resolution measurements of protein movement in living cells, thereby unlocking otherwise intractable classes of proteins as drug targets.

Position

This pharmacology group leader will be responsible for the design and direction of the execution of rodent studies to characterize novel chemical entities in animal model systems.  This position requires knowledge of the target biology to optimize a relevant disease model to perform studies and understand target engagement (PD/PK) and efficacy.  Additionally, this candidate should have a basic knowledge of pharmacokinetics and non-GLP toxicology assessment in rodents. The position reports to the VP of Pharmacology and interacts with the project team of chemists, biologist, and formulation scientists to plan studies and report data.  This candidate would be expected to summarize key studies in regulatory reports and contribute to regulatory documents for filing with health agencies.  This is an opportunity to significantly impact Eikon’s drug discovery and clinical pipeline and work in a fast-paced and highly energetic environment.

About You

You have a desire to contribute to a face paced, energetic, scientifically driven group.  You are a PhD level scientist with experience in a relevant therapeutic area including oncology, immunology, or neuroscience.  You have experience in designing animal models to assess PD/PK and efficacy.  You have a knowledge of pharmacokinetics, have experience picking doses for informative animal studies.  You possibly have experience in safety assessment studies such as small-scale rodent non-GLP studies. You have experience working and collaborating in a matrixed organization and have mentored junior scientists both technically and scientifically. You’re conscientious and with great attention to detail, documentation and organization are second nature.  You are excited about being a foundational member of a rapidly growing team.

What You’ll Do

• Drive the in vivo characterization of novel chemical entities from early PK studies to proof of target engagement (PD/PK) and efficacy in a variety of disease models depending on the target. Work closely with project teams and animal/formulation/bioanalytical scientists to design, execute and report the study findings.
• Responsible for managing a small group of pharmacology animal scientists to help direct the study design and execution. Mentor animal research scientists on the program biology, studies significance, and implications of results.  Oversee groups communication of study results to the project teams and other groups
• Will eventually need to work across multiple therapeutic areas and learn the biology of various targets to optimize animal models. Some programs may require the use of genetically engineered animals and maintenance of animal colonies, thus knowledge of these will be useful in leading the scientific group.
• Knowledge of disease area and standards of care to be able to consider potential combination studies and clinical implications; studies to understand optimal dosing regimens also necessary
• Excitement to innovate pharmacology practices where possible and interest in applying single particle tracking in whole animal tissues
• Contribution to formal study reports and regulatory documents when supporting a program approaching or in clinical studies
• Interaction with early clinical team to advise on biomarkers in vivo (PD/PK), target efficacious exposures and other relevant pharmacology’s as needed.

Qualifications

• At least 12+ years working in the field of pharmacology or PD/PK, a PhD in biology or a relevant discipline
• Experience with rodent models of cancer, neurology, genetic disorders, infectious disease and/or cardiovascular; knowledge of animal colony maintenance (breeding and genotyping)
• Experience representing function on a project team, ability to discuss compound pharmaceutical characteristics including PK (ADME), PD-PK, efficacy and potentially safety signals
• Experience interpreting small scale non-GLP in-life rat toxicology studies is a plus
• Experience the use of imaging modalities to measure disease and efficacy a plus
• Management and/or training of animal scientists, ensuring accurate data capture and presentation of results, authoring of study reports and contribution to regulatory documents
• You thrive in team environments, seek opportunities for collaboration and value team members success as much as your own. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

At Eikon, employee compensation also includes bonus and equity compensation, in addition to several generous benefit programs, including:

• 401k plan with company matching
• Medical (premiums covered by Eikon at 95%), dental and vision insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%)
• Mental health and wellness benefits
• Weeklong summer and winter holiday shutdowns
• Generous paid time off and holiday policies
• Life/AD&D Insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%) and optional supplemental employee-paid life/AD&D policies
• Enhanced parental leave benefit
• Daily subsidized lunch program when on-site

The expected salary range for this role is $174,000 to $200,000 depending on skills, competency, and the market demand for your expertise.