Scientist, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics

About the Role

Kardigan is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented DMPK Scientist to join their dynamic research team in South San Francisco, CA. This role involves contributing to both early-stage discovery and later-stage development by generating high-quality ADME/PK data to support a small molecule drug pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop in vitro assays and independently generate high-quality data to support drug discovery and development.
• Perform bioanalysis of structurally diversified small molecules for in vitro assays.
• Develop fit-for-purpose sample preparation protocols and analytical methods by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
• Execute, analyze, and interpret in vitro drug metabolism assays to understand the ADME properties of small molecules.
• Culturing, testing, and validating cell or assay systems, and ensuring lab cleanliness.
• Conduct bioanalysis of pharmacokinetic samples and determination of pharmacokinetic parameters.
• Maintain good documentation practices, including laboratory notebooks, protocols, and reports.
• Present data in team/project meetings as necessary.
• Maintain and manage research databases, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and accessibility.
• Develop and document assay protocols for chemistry, biology, and DMPK studies.
• Upload, organize, and QC assay data, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas are required:
• Experience in development of LC-MS-based analytical methods and sample preparation for small molecule analysis.
• Proficient in operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for high-end scientific instrumentation, including general liquid handling equipment, Thermo Orbitrap Q-Exactive, Exploris 240 HRAMS, Sciex or Thermo triple-quad mass specs is highly desired.
• Hands-on experience in culturing primary and recombinant cell lines, developing cell-based and in vitro drug metabolism assays.
• Experience with research databases (e.g., CDD Vault).

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, bioanalysis, or biomedical science related fields with 0 – 3 years of experience.
• M.S. degree with at least 5 years of industrial/academia experience.
• B.S. degree with at least 8 years of industrial/academia experience.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and technical communication, independent thinking, with the ability to interpret results, determine next steps, and present data.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, innovative, and fast-paced environment focusing on discovery and development of new drugs for treatment of cardiac diseases.
• Experience as a project representative is a plus.
• Prior experience and knowledge in drug metabolism assays (i.e., metabolic stability assays in liver microsomes and hepatocytes, protein binding, cytochrome P450 inhibition assays and bioanalysis of PK samples), PK modeling programs such as Phoenix Winnonlin, SimCyp and DMPK concepts to support ADME studies are a plus.