Senior/Principal DMPK Scientist – CNS Discovery (Hybrid)

Axonis; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Axonis Therapeutics in Boston is seeking a Senior/Principal Scientist, DMPK to drive strategy from discovery through clinical development. You will collaborate with Chemistry and Toxicology teams to optimize ADME properties for CNS programs and lead human PK projections.

The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, data integrity, and external collaboration with CRO partners, aiming to advance lead compounds toward development candidates in a fast-growing, hybrid-work biotech environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutics, or related field.
• 3+ years as a small molecule DMPK project representative/lead on cross-functional teams.
• Experience with human PK and dose projections.
• Clear and effective communicator with collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• ADME/DMPK design & execution from discovery through clinical stages.
• Design and interpret ADME, PK, and PK/PD studies with internal teams and external partners.
• Drive DMPK strategy in collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry.
• Author DMPK sections of regulatory documents and respond to queries.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to advance projects to milestones.
• Interface with external DMPK CRO partners to support screening and optimization.

Skills

DMPK leadership

Human PK & dose projections

PK/PD modeling & simulation

Clear communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Entrepreneurial biotech mindset

Education

PhD in Pharmacokinetics/Pharmaceutics

Job description

Axonis Therapeutics is a Boston-based, neuro-focused biotechnology company developing a portfolio of first- and best-in-class medicines targeting KCC2, a genetically validated critical mediator of inhibition within the brain. Axonis has brought together a collaborative, creative and determined team of world-leading experts in neuroscience and drug development to discover and develop novel treatments for epilepsy, pain and other neurological disorders. With its proprietary KCC2 discovery engine based on breakthrough science from Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard and Laval University, Axonis is poised to make a real difference for patients, their families, and the global healthcare system.

The Role:

We are growing our DMPK team at Axonis Therapeutics with a new Senior/Principal Scientist, DMPK role reporting to the Senior Director, DMPK. This role will be highly visible, collaborating cross-functionally from discovery through clinical development. You will drive the DMPK strategy at the program level. This position will work closely with Medicinal Chemistry on small molecule optimization toward development candidates within the CNS area. You will continue into early clinical development working closely with Clinical Pharmacology. The successful candidate will bring experience working with project teams at the intersection of Chemistry, Biology, and Toxicology. Axonis is Boston-based with a global footprint and hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

ADME/DMPK Design & Execution:

• DMPK representative supporting project decisions from discovery through clinical stages
• Design and interpret ADME, PK, and PK/PD studies from routine SAR to mechanistic insights working with external partners
• Drive DMPK design strategy in close collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry
• Perform human PK and dose projections, supporting the progression of lead compounds through the screening cascade
• Author DMPK sections of regulatory documents and respond to queries
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of DMPK to design the overall ADME/DMPK strategy for the company

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work with in vivo pharmacology to interpret exposure–efficacy data and guide compound progression
• Contribute to safety and toxicology strategy by ensuring compounds meet advancement criteria
• Collaborate cross functionally and within matrixed environment to advance projects to required milestones

External Collaboration

• Interface with external ADME/DMPK CRO partners to support compound screening and optimization
• Contribute to experimental planning, data review, and milestone tracking with vendors
• Ensure high standards of data integrity, documentation, and reproducibility

Program Contribution & Scientific Communication

• Present program data and recommendations at internal governance meetings
• Provide scientific input into portfolio discussions from an ADME/PK perspective
• Thorough, meticulous, and detail-focused approach to data handling and documentation
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-rigor company culture.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutics, or related field with a minimum of 3 years of industry experience
• 3+ years as a small molecule DMPK project representative/lead on cross functional project teams
• Experience with human PK and dose projections
• Interest in both discovery and development stage DMPK
• Some experience with PK/PD modeling and simulation
• Clear and effective communicator
• Collaborative mindset, creativity, “can do attitude” and adaptability in a nimble, entrepreneurial biotech environment
• Legally authorized to work in the US via US citizenship or residency

Preferred:

• Experience authoring regulatory documents a plus but not required
• Interest or experience in supporting PBPK outsourcing
• Expertise in supervising regulated bioanalysis

Please contact careers[at]axonis.us to share your resume and learn more.