Senior Director, DMPK

Proclinical; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 259,000 - 337,000; Full time

Job summary

Proclinical is seeking a Senior Director, DMPK to lead strategy across discovery and development for a clinical-stage biotech focused on small molecules. Based in the Bay Area with a hybrid model, you will drive DMPK, ADME and PK/PD plans, guide candidate selection and progression, and collaborate with cross-functional teams and CROs to translate data into actionable decisions.

This high-visibility role offers scientific leadership and the opportunity to shape programme direction in a

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Metabolism or Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute integrated DMPK, ADME and PK/PD strategies.

Skills

DMPK leadership

Small molecule development

PK/PD modelling

Regulatory documentation

Cross-functional leadership

IND/CTA preparation

Education

PhD in Pharmacokinetics

Job description

Senior Director, DMPK

Location: Bay Area, California
Working model: Hybrid, two days per week on site
Employment type: Full-time
Sector: Clinical-stage biotechnology
Focus: Small molecules

Can you lead the DMPK strategy that transforms promising science into clinical success?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Senior Director, DMPK to join a well-funded, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases.

This is a highly influential scientific leadership position with responsibility for shaping and executing drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics strategies across a growing portfolio of small molecule programmes. You will guide assets from early discovery and clinical candidate selection through first-in-human studies and subsequent clinical development.

Working across discovery, translational science, non-clinical development and clinical teams, you will ensure that high-quality ADME, pharmacokinetic and PK/PD data are translated into clear programme decisions. The position offers considerable scientific visibility, broad cross-functional influence and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an agile, growth-stage biotechnology environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and execute integrated DMPK, ADME and PK/PD strategies across discovery and development programmes.
• Provide scientific leadership and DMPK expertise within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Design, oversee and interpret in vitro and in vivo DMPK studies.
• Guide clinical candidate selection and the progression of small molecule assets into development.
• Integrate DMPK data into programme strategy and evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop translational strategies and generate first-in-human dose projections.
• Partner with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, CMC, translational and clinical colleagues.
• Build and manage productive relationships with CROs, consultants and external scientific collaborators.
• Author and review pharmacokinetic and DMPK content for INDs, CTAs, Investigator's Brochures and marketing applications.
• Present scientific findings, strategic recommendations and programme risks to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Maintain rigorous scientific, documentation and reporting standards across the DMPK function.

About You

You are an established DMPK leader with experience of advancing small molecule drug candidates from discovery through clinical development. You combine strong scientific expertise with the commercial and strategic judgement required to influence programme direction and organisational decision-making.

You will bring:

• A PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Metabolism, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of industry DMPK experience within biotechnology or pharmaceutical drug development.
• Deep expertise in small molecule drug discovery and development.
• Demonstrated experience supporting clinical candidate selection and progression into the clinic.
• Strong knowledge of ADME, pharmacokinetics, PK/PD modelling and translational sciences.
• Experience developing first-in-human dose projections and translational development strategies.
• Expertise preparing regulatory documentation and supporting interactions with health authorities.
• A track record of leading programmes and influencing cross-functional teams within innovative drug development environments.

Why Join?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Shape DMPK strategy across multiple discovery and clinical-stage programmes.
• Play a key role in progressing innovative therapies for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases.
• Operate as a recognised scientific leader with significant influence across the organisation.
• Work alongside experienced scientists and drug developers in a highly collaborative environment.
• Join a well-funded biotechnology company where individuals can directly impact programme success and company growth.
• Benefit from a flexible hybrid work model in Palo Alto.

Compensation & Benefits

A highly competitive compensation package is available and will be aligned with experience, expertise and market benchmarks. The package may include:

• Competitive base salary - €230,000 - €300,000
• Annual performance bonus
• Equity participation / long-term incentives
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement savings programme
• Generous paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Comprehensive wellness programmes