Discovery ADME Project Leader

Scorpion Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a Discovery ADME Project Leader to deliver a deep mechanistic understanding of drug disposition and translational PK/PD modeling that informs dose selection and study design. You will integrate biology, chemistry, and modeling within cross-functional discovery teams, guiding go/no-go decisions and regulatory-aligned strategies.

The role requires a PhD in a related field and 3+ years in drug discovery, with emphasis on ADME strategy, data interpretation, and

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacometrics, Systems Pharmacology, Preclinical/Clinical Pharmacology, Drug Metabolism, Toxicology, Chemical Biology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide deep mechanistic understanding of drug disposition, PK, and translational science to advance Target Product Profiles.
• Develop and execute integrated preclinical ADME strategies aligned with discovery stage and regulatory expectations.
• Integrate ADME and pharmacology to enable translational simulations/modeling for dose selection and PK/PD design.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

PK/PD modeling

AI tools

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Job Title: Discovery ADME Project Leader

Position Summary

Provide deep mechanistic understanding of drug disposition, PK, and translational science, integrating biology, chemistry, and modeling to advance Target Product Profiles and drive The Right Molecule to The Right Study at The Right Time.

Responsibilities

• Keep Safety as a priority.
• Develop and execute integrated preclinical ADME strategies aligned with discovery stage, TPP, design hypotheses, and regulatory expectations.
• Integrate ADME and pharmacology to enable translational simulations/modeling for dose selection and PK/PD, efficacy, and safety study design.
• Define stage-, modality-, and issue-appropriate profiling and decision funnels (in silico, in vitro, in vivo to translational modeling).
• Guide compound design/optimization using data-driven principles (clearance, permeability, solubility, DDI risk, transporter liabilities).
• Serve as ADME strategy/science single-point-of-accountability on cross-functional teams; translate findings into actional design/test hypotheses.
• Collaborate with Medicinal Chemistry, DMPK, Toxicology, Pharmacology, and other Discovery Functions; contribute to go/no-go decisions using quantitative PK/PD, IVIVE, and mechanistic interpretation.
• Represent ADME in governance discussions and leadership reviews.
• Implement best practices, assay innovation/automation; drive continuous improvement in data reporting/knowledge management; leverage AI/agentic tools where possible.
• Maintain inspection-ready documentation aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Mentor and grow junior scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacometrics, Systems Pharmacology, Preclinical/Clinical Pharmacology, Drug Metabolism, Toxicology, Chemical Biology, or related field.
• 3+ years post-graduation industry experience in drug discovery, driving discovery teams; understanding of ADME Project Leader impact on Design, Make, Test, Analyze.

Additional/Preferred Qualifications

• Deep ADME expertise and working knowledge of medicinal chemistry and toxicology principles.
• Experience translating complex concepts into strategic value for senior leadership and cross-functional partners.

Application/Location

Geography: Boston MA, Louisville CO, or Indianapolis IN.