Associate Director, Pharmacology

Position

The Associate Director, Pharmacology 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 across the field of oncology, neuroscience and/or immunology to perform studies and understand target engagement (PD/PK) and efficacy. The successful candidate will have a basic knowledge of pharmacokinetics and non-GLP toxicology assessment in rodents. Reporting to the VP of Pharmacology, this individual will interact with the project team of chemists, biologist, and formulation scientists to plan studies and report data. This is an exciting 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 fast paced, energetic, scientifically driven group. You are a 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 experience working and collaborating in a matrixed organization and have mentored junior scientists both technically and scientifically. You have excitement to innovate pharmacology practices where possible and interest in applying single particle tracking in whole animal tissues. You thrive in team environments, seek opportunities for collaboration and value team members success as much as your own. 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 including target engagement (PD/PK), secondary pharmacology and efficacy in a variety of disease models optimized to the specific target.
• Work closely with project teams and animal, formulation and bioanalytical scientists to design, execute and report the study findings.
• Manage a growing group of pharmacology animal and PD biomarker scientists to help direct the study design and execution.
• Mentor animal research scientists on the program biology, studies significance, and implications of results.
• Oversee group communication of study results to the project teams.
• Work across multiple therapeutic areas (e.g. oncology, neuroscience and immunology) 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.
• Contribute to formal study reports and regulatory documents when supporting a program approaching or in clinical studies.
• Summarize key studies in regulatory reports and contribute to regulatory documents for filing with health agencies.
• Interact with early clinical team to advise on biomarkers in vivo (PD/PK), target efficacious exposures and other relevant pharmacology’s as needed.

Qualifications

• Post graduate degree with 8+ years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field, with a substantial track record of executing and leading advanced laboratory experiments and assays.
• 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 managing and/or training of animal scientists and husbandry technicians ensuring optimal animal health, accurate data capture and presentation of results, authoring of study reports and contribution to regulatory documents.
• 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.
• Experience or knowledge in setting up and management of an animal vivarium including authoring of IACUC protocols, and an understanding of the duties and management of animal husbandry staff a plus.
• Experience with the use of imaging modalities to measure disease and efficacy a plus.

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 $165,000 to $180,500 depending on skills, competency, and the market demand for your expertise.