Director, In Vivo Pharmacology

Key Responsibilities

• Study design and execution: Lead in vivo pharmacology for assigned ADC programs, from target validation through IND-enabling efficacy packages, within the strategy set by research leadership. Design and execute efficacy and PK/PD studies using cell-line-derived xenograft (CDX), patient-derived xenograft (PDX), and, where relevant, syngeneic and humanized models, selecting models based on target expression, heterogeneity, and clinical relevance. Run dose-fractionation, dose-range, and schedule-optimization studies to distinguish payload-driven, target-mediated, and antibody-driven contributions to activity and tolerability.
• PK/PD and translational analysis: Analyze exposure-response relationships linking ADC, total antibody, and free-payload exposure to tumor pharmacodynamics and efficacy. Develop PK/PD relationships to support human dose projection, therapeutic-index estimation, and first-in-human dosing rationale, in partnership with DMPK. Integrate target expression, internalization/trafficking kinetics, bystander activity, and payload potency into interpretations that inform molecule design and selection.
• Mechanistic and biomarker work: Design PD-marker and tumor-biology readouts (target engagement, payload delivery, DNA damage or tubulin markers, apoptosis, immune contexture as relevant) to confirm mechanism of action in vivo. Investigate resistance mechanisms, antigen heterogeneity, and tumor-penetration limitations, feeding findings back into discovery. Support biomarker and translational teams in defining clinically deployable pharmacodynamic and patient-selection markers.
• Operations and collaboration: Execute in vivo studies with high rigor, reproducibility, and adherence to animal welfare and IACUC compliance. Select, qualify, and manage specialty in vivo CROs, ensuring alignment with internal standards for data quality and turnaround. Serve as the in vivo pharmacology representative on project teams, presenting efficacy and translational results to project teams and research leadership. Mentor junior scientists and take on direct people-management responsibilities as the team grows.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in pharmacology, cancer biology, immunology, or related discipline (or MD/PhD), with 7+ years of drug discovery experience in biotech or pharma preclinical settings.
• Proven ownership of in vivo oncology pharmacology programs, with contributions to candidate advancement toward development candidate nomination and/or IND.
• Hands-on expertise in tumor efficacy modeling (CDX/PDX) and design/interpretation of dose-response and schedule studies.
• Working knowledge of PK/PD principles, translational dose projection, and quantitative exposure-response data interpretation.
• Experience managing in vivo CROs and running internal studies, with expertise in IACUC and animal welfare compliance.

Strongly Preferred

• Direct experience with ADCs or targeted-payload modalities (bispecifics, radioligand therapies), including linker/payload biology, internalization, trafficking, and bystander effects.
• Familiarity with syngeneic and humanized-immune-system models and their appropriate use.
• Experience contributing to regulatory documents (IND, IB) and first-in-human dose rationale.
• Prior mentorship or line-management experience; publication or patent record demonstrating scientific impact.