Dir/Senior Director, Toxicology & Preclinical Pharmacology

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Director or Senior Director of Preclinical Pharmacology/Toxicology to guide nonclinical pharmacology and toxicology programs for obesity and metabolic disease.

You will design GLP and non-GLP studies, oversee CRO partners, and integrate diverse data to drive lead selection and development decisions. The role collaborates with DMPK, CMC, Clinical Pharmacology, Regulatory, and translational teams to support INDs and early clinical development, with mentorship

Qualifications

• PhD, DVM, PharmD or equivalent degree in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Physiology, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Preferred expertise in metabolic disease pharmacology, obesity therapeutics, GLP-compliant toxicology, and translational science.
• Familiarity with ICH nonclinical guidelines and other regulatory guidance related to nonclinical development.
• Understanding of peptide therapeutics and small-molecule drug development.

Responsibilities

• Lead nonclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and toxicology strategies for obesity and metabolic disease programs.
• Design, monitor, and interpret GLP and non-GLP toxicology studies, safety pharmacology studies, exploratory mechanistic studies, and juvenile and reproductive toxicology programs, as applicable.
• Serve as the scientific lead for CRO interactions, study oversight, and data review.
• Integrate pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, toxicokinetic, pathology, and biomarker data to support lead selection, optimization, and development decisions.
• Contribute to INDs, Investigator’s Brochures, briefing books, NDAs, and other regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with clinical and translational teams to support dose selection and risk assessment.
• Evaluate emerging literature and the competitive landscape in obesity and metabolic disease therapeutics.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building scientific capabilities across the organization.
• Support strategic planning for combination and next-generation metabolic therapies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory liaison

Communication

Program management

Team collaboration

Education

PhD / DVM / PharmD or equivalent

Job description

Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a next-generation portfolio of therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. We are developing treatments to help patients achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in health by treating obesity first. Our therapies are designed to support the long-term health benefits of weight loss, including cardiovascular health, improved physical function, and quality of life.

Viking Therapeutics is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director or Senior Director, Preclinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, to support the advancement of innovative therapies for metabolic disease and obesity. The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, execution, interpretation, and strategic integration of preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies supporting peptide and small-molecule drug candidates from discovery through IND and early clinical development. This individual will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including DMPK, CMC, Clinical Pharmacology, Regulatory, and external CRO partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Lead nonclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and toxicology strategies for obesity and metabolic disease programs.
• Design, monitor, and interpret GLP and non-GLP toxicology studies, safety pharmacology studies, exploratory mechanistic studies, and juvenile and reproductive toxicology programs, as applicable.
• Serve as the scientific lead for CRO interactions, study oversight, and data review.
• Integrate pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, toxicokinetic, pathology, and biomarker data to support lead selection, optimization, and development decisions.
• Contribute to INDs, Investigator’s Brochures, briefing books, NDAs, and other regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with clinical and translational teams to support dose selection and risk assessment.
• Evaluate emerging literature and the competitive landscape in obesity and metabolic disease therapeutics.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building scientific capabilities across the organization.
• Support strategic planning for combination and next-generation metabolic therapies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• PhD, DVM, PharmD, or equivalent degree in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Physiology, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Preferred expertise in metabolic disease pharmacology, obesity therapeutics, GLP-compliant toxicology, and translational science.
• Familiarity with ICH nonclinical guidelines and other regulatory guidance related to nonclinical development.
• Understanding of peptide therapeutics and small-molecule drug development.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience with GLP-1/GIP/amylin or related metabolic pathways, combination therapies, acute and chronic toxicology programs, and DMPK/TK interpretation.
• Prior interactions with FDA and global regulatory agencies.
• Experience managing external CRO networks and budgets.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment while managing multiple concurrent programs.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Team Player with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

VIKING THERAPEUTICS

Viking Therapeutics, Inc., is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Viking Therapeutics also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.