Director/Sr Director, Toxicology & Preclinical Pharmacology

About the role

Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a next-generation portfolio of therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. We are developing treatments to help patients achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in health by treating obesity first. Our therapies are designed to support the long-term health benefits of weight loss, including cardiovascular health, improved physical function, and quality of life.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director or Senior Director, Preclinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, to support the advancement of innovative therapies for metabolic disease and obesity. The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, execution, interpretation, and strategic integration of preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies supporting peptide and small-molecule drug candidates from discovery through IND and early clinical development. This individual will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including DMPK, CMC, Clinical Pharmacology, Regulatory, and external CRO partners.

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.

Requirements

• PhD, DVM, PharmD, or equivalent degree in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Physiology, or a 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.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling programs.
• Familiarity with ICH nonclinical guidelines and other regulatory guidance related to nonclinical development.
• Understanding of peptide therapeutics and small-molecule drug development.

Skills

• Experience with GLP-1/GIP/amylin or related metabolic pathways, combination therapies, acute and chronic toxicology programs, and DMPK/TK interpretation.
• Prior interactions with FDA and global regulatory agencies.
• Experience managing external CRO networks and budgets.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment while managing multiple concurrent programs.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills.