Director, DMPK

Denali Therapeutics; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 212,000 - 276,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

healthcare coverage

ESPP

broad range of other benefits

Job summary

Denali Therapeutics is seeking a leader for the Nonclinical Safety Assessment and DMPK group to advance blood-brain-barrier penetrant biotherapeutics from Discovery through CTA/IND-enabling studies and into early clinical development.

As a hands-on expert and people leader, you will set PK, drug disposition, and translational pharmacology strategy, mentor staff, and collaborate with Discovery Sciences, Translational Medicine, Bioanalytical Sciences, and Regulatory teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology/Toxicology, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience including 8+ years of people management.
• Proven expertise in biotherapeutic drug disposition and PK with CTA/IND milestones to first-in-human trials.
• Cross-functional project leadership and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a group within the Nonclinical Safety Assessment and DMPK to advance drug candidates from Discovery through CTA/IND enabling studies into early clinical development.
• Deliver on Project Team objectives by contributing PK, drug disposition, biodistribution, and translational pharmacology/pharmacodynamics.
• Lead Project Teams and Pharmacology Technical Teams through the CTA/IND enabling stage of drug development.
• Author and review nonclinical and clinical sections of regulatory filings.
• Establish and maintain relationships with Discovery Sciences, Bioanalytical Sciences, Nonclinical Safety Assessment, Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, and Regulatory to advance projects to key decisions and milestones.
• Oversee staff growth, goal setting, performance reviews, and training compliance.

Skills

People management

Pharmacokinetics

Biotherapeutic disposition

Drug development strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Education

PhD in Pharmacokinetics / Pharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmacology or related field

Tools

Ligand binding assays

Mass spectrometry

Job description

We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients. This role leads a dedicated DMPK team within the Nonclinical Safety Assessment and DMPK group within the Development Sciences organization, providing scientific and strategic input to advance a portfolio of blood‑brain‑barrier penetrant biotherapeutics from Discovery through CTA/IND‑enabling studies, as well as ultimately supporting registration. Serving as both a hands‑on subject‑matter expert and a people leader, this individual collaborates closely with Discovery Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Regulatory teams to shape PK, drug disposition, and translational pharmacology strategy across project teams.

The incumbent builds scientific talent within the Nonclinical Safety Assessment and DMPK group and represents DMPK on the Development Sciences Leadership Team.

Key Accountabilities / Core Job Responsibilities

Lead and manage a group within the Nonclinical Safety Assessment and DMPK organization, providing strategic, project-focused vision and oversight to advance drug candidates from Discovery through CTA/IND‑enabling studies into early clinical development ultimately supporting BLA submission. Deliver on Project Team objectives by contributing scientific expertise in pharmacokinetics, drug disposition, biodistribution, and translational pharmacology/pharmacodynamics. Participate on Project Teams as a subject‑matter expert, contributing to optimization and selection of lead clinical candidates, and support group members serving in this capacity. Design nonclinical PK/PD studies to answer translational questions supporting project deliverables and first‑in‑human dose predictions; oversee TK analysis for non‑GLP and GLP toxicology studies. Lead Project Teams and Pharmacology Technical Teams through the CTA/IND‑enabling stage of drug development. Serve on the Development Sciences Leadership Team, contributing to Functional and Organizational strategy including goal setting and staff development. Establish and maintain productive relationships with Discovery Sciences, Bioanalytical Sciences, Nonclinical Safety Assessment, Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, and Regulatory to advance projects to key decisions and development milestones. Analyze, interpret, and communicate data to project teams, senior management, global health authorities, and strategic partners. Author and review nonclinical and clinical sections of regulatory filings. Lead direct report(s) through annual goal setting, growth planning, adherence to company policies, maintain training compliance, and provide ongoing feedback on growth and development.

Qualifications/Skills

Typically requires a PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology/Toxicology, Engineering, or a related field. Typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience, including 8+ years of people management, mentorship, and coaching experience. Established expertise in biotherapeutic drug disposition and pharmacokinetics, with a track record identifying clinical candidates and advancing molecules through CTA/IND milestones to first‑in‑human trials. Proven ability to evaluate drug properties impacting PK, investigate PK/PD relationships, and apply relevant bioanalytical methods (ligand binding assays, mass spectrometry, or other methodologies). Demonstrated success leading and/or serving on cross‑functional Project Teams, contributing to data-driven decision‑making and drug development strategy.

Salary Range

$212,000.00 to $276,000.00 . Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

Benefits

• 401k
• healthcare coverage
• ESPP
• broad range of other benefits

This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

“Life at Denali” is a living reflection of our values: trust, unity, grit and growth. These are not just words we share—they shape how we show up, collaborate and push boundaries together. From the lab to the community, across functions and milestones, our culture thrives on shared purpose and relentless pursuit.