Staff/ Senior Staff Scientist, DMPK

The Role

We are seeking an experienced DMPK leader to help define and execute DMPK, PK, and PK/PD strategy across our drug discovery and development portfolio. Reporting to the SD, DMPK and Clinical Pharmacology, you will partner with discovery project teams across multiple therapeutic areas - characterizing and evaluating compounds from hit identification through candidate selection, and, as programs mature, into clinical development. You will also help build our internal DMPK capabilities and CRO relationships, serving as the DMPK representative for select programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Help define and execute ADME/PK and PK/PD strategy for discovery and development programs, partnering with DMPK leadership across target classes and therapeutic areas
• Design, execute, and interpret studies assessing ADME and drug-drug interaction (DDI) potential; evaluate in vitro ADME data in the context of IVIVC/IVIVE
• Apply mechanistic approaches to translate dosing regimens from preclinical to clinical, including human dose prediction
• Analyze and present PK/PD data (Phoenix WinNonlin and other tools) to project teams and senior management
• Develop in vitro/in vivo assays to characterize ADME/PK and DDI profiles, supporting lead optimization and candidate selection
• Manage CRO relationships and outsourced DMPK study execution, ensuring quality and timelines
• Author and review DMPK sections of regulatory submissions and help respond to agency questions
• Serve as the DMPK representative - and, for select programs, Project Team Leader - on cross-functional discovery teams through IND filing
• Mentor junior scientists; build strong cross-functional collaboration across Chemical Sciences, Drug Discovery, Pharmacology, Toxicology, CMC, Clinical Pharmacology, and Regulatory

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field
• 5+ years of DMPK drug discovery experience post-Ph.D., including substantial experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting
• Strong understanding of nonclinical in vivo pharmacokinetics, absorption/clearance mechanisms, drug metabolism, transporters, drug-drug interactions, and in vitro methodologies
• Demonstrated experience leading DMPK efforts across programs spanning multiple target classes and therapeutic areas, including at least one program that advanced to a clinical drug candidate
• Experience serving as a lead DMPK representative on cross-functional project teams, and managing externally outsourced DMPK studies
• Strong scientific track record and reputation as an effective technical leader, with excellent communication skills across a range of audiences
• Hands-on experience developing in vitro/in vivo assays for ADME/PK and DDI characterization
• Experience contributing to regulatory submissions (e.g., IND-enabling packages)

Pay and benefits

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $170,000 - $195,000. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Septerna's compensation package also includes benefits, stock options, and annual target bonus for full-time positions.

Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited. California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice For Job Applicants. If you are a California resident, click here for our CCPA Notice.