Metabolic Preclinical Pharmacology & Toxicology Director

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, 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