Associate Director, Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics

Atrium Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

RSUs

401(k) match

Job summary

Atrium Therapeutics is seeking an Associate Director of PKPD to lead the PKPD function across genetic cardiomyopathy programs. You will set strategy, oversee nonclinical and clinical PK, TK, and tissue distribution studies, and guide dose rationale for first-in-human development.

Hands-on leadership of a PhD and non-PhD team will be essential in this small, fast-moving biotech. The role requires strong PKPD knowledge, regulatory bioanalysis experience, and the ability to influence

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• 8+ years of biopharma/biotech experience in nonclinical and clinical PKPD and regulated bioanalysis, including IND/CTA support and CRO oversight; oligonucleotide/large-molecule experience preferred.
• Hands-on design and interpretation of nonclinical and clinical PK studies, including NCA; strong PKPD principles.
• Regulated bioanalysis knowledge (ICH M10, GLP/GCP) and experience overseeing PK and ADA assay development at CROs.
• Experience managing scientific staff at multiple levels and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Thrives in a small-company environment, pro-active, hands-on problem-solver.

Responsibilities

• Support PKPD across programs from research to late-phase development, including study design, oversight, and data interpretation.
• Set phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategy and oversee GLP-compliant PK and ADA assay development; manage CROs and logistics.
• Represent PKPD on project teams; communicate strategy and data for regulatory documents (IND/CTA, briefing books, protocols, CSR).
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of PhD and non-PhD scientists; foster a high-performing culture.

Skills

PKPD expertise

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Pharmacokinetics

Job description

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies. Our proprietary technology leverages the targeted RNA delivery platform initially designed at Avidity, which combines the tissue selectivity of mAbs and other targeted delivery ligands with the precision of oligonucleotides.

This unique combination is designed to allow selective targeting of the underlying genetic drivers of disease that were previously undruggable. Through targeted, non-viral delivery of siRNA to cardiac tissues, our approach has the potential to overcome key limitations of nonspecific viral and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, including challenges related to tissue specificity, immunogenicity, and redosing.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics function (PKPD) at Atrium Therapeutics to advance research and development programs in genetic cardiomyopathy. This is a highly visible role within Research and Development within Development Sciences Department. The Associate Director will be accountable for PKPD strategy and execution across the research and development programs of antibody oligonucleotide conjugates, inclusive of bioanalytical sciences. The ideal candidate will apply strong scientific understanding of PKPD principles to biologic and/or oligonucleotide therapeutics to enable sound judgment to expeditiously advance the pipeline. We are seeking a strategic thinker with the desire to be a hands-on leader of a team of PKPD scientists. Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience

Job Responsibilities:

• Support all aspects of PKPD across programs from research into late-phase clinical development, including design, oversight, and interpretation of nonclinical and clinical PK, TK, and tissue distribution studies; apply PKPD principles to relate exposure to target engagement and PD biomarkers, inform dose selection, and support first-in-human dose rationale; assess immunogenicity impact on PK where relevant
• Set phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategy and oversee development of GLP-compliant PK and ADA assays in plasma and tissue matrices; oversee CRO management including RFP, SOWs, budget, timeline and sample logistics
• Represent PKPD on project and study teams; accountable for communicating PKPD strategy, data interpretation and supporting regulatory documents, including IND/CTA, briefing book, protocol, CSR.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of PhD and non-PhD scientists; set priorities, support career development, and build a collaborative, high-performing culture

Education and Experience Requirements:

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field
• 8+ years of biopharma/biotech experience in nonclinical and clinical PKPD and regulated bioanalysis, including a proven record of advancing programs from research into development; authoring/supporting IND submissions, and participating in regulatory interactions; oligonucleotide (siRNA, ASO) and/or large-molecule experience preferred
• Hands-on design and interpretation of nonclinical and clinical PK studies, including NCA ; strong understanding of PKPD principles
• Working knowledge of regulated bioanalysis (ICH M10, GLP/GCP) and experience overseeing PK and ADA assay development and sample analysis at CROs
• Prior experience managing and developing scientific staff at multiple levels, including PhD and non-PhD scientists; demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and communicate complex data clearly to project teams and leadership
• Thrives in a small-company environment, comfortable with ambiguity, takes initiative, and a hands-on problem-solver

What We Provide:

• The base salary range for this role is $185,000-$205,000. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
• Atrium offers competitive compensation and benefits which include stock options & RSUs, as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, LTD, and unlimited time off including summer & winter breaks.
• A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Atrium employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.

$185,000 - $205,000 a year