Associate Director, DMPK

Company:

Chinook Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision medicines for kidney diseases. Chinook’s product candidates are being investigated in rare, severe chronic kidney disorders with opportunities for well-defined clinical pathways. Chinook’s lead program is atrasentan, a phase 3 endothelin receptor antagonist for the treatment of IgA nephropathy and other proteinuric glomerular diseases. BION-1301, an anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody is being evaluated in a phase 1/2 trial for IgA nephropathy. In addition, Chinook is advancing CHK-336, an oral small molecule LDHA inhibitor for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria, as well as research programs for other rare, severe chronic kidney diseases.

Chinook is building its pipeline by leveraging insights in kidney single cell RNA sequencing, human-derived organoids, and new translational models, to discover and develop therapeutics with differentiating mechanisms of action against key kidney disease pathways. Chinook trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol KDNY and has locations in Vancouver, BC, Seattle, WA and Oakland, CA.

Role Summary:

Chinook Therapeutics is seeking an energetic and collaborative scientist to lead the drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) discovery group at our laboratories situated in Vancouver. The Associate Director, DMPK will be responsible for defining, directing and ensuring execution of strategies necessary to address key DMPK issues for multiple programs across Chinook’s discovery pipeline.

The Associate Director, DMPK will be involved in all aspects of in vitro ADME and in vivo PK and PD studies across multiple programs, with oversight over experimental design, execution and data analysis.  This role will lead the DMPK strategy for research programs and will drive and/or direct workflow strategies leveraging the combination of outsourcing and internal resources. Experience in human PK predictions, DMPK regulatory aspects necessary for IND-enabling studies and collaboration with the clinical team for human PK-PD modeling are valuable assets. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, will be able to lead projects independently and will propose innovative solutions to DMPK issues. This role will represent DMPK within a multidisciplinary drug discovery team of chemists, biologists and pharmacologists.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead all aspects of in vitro and in vivo DMPK strategies and define studies to support multiple discovery programs
• Operate as a DMPK project representative on cross-functional teams
• Develop and mentor members of the DMPK team
• Coordinate and design efficient workflows for DMPK studies with CROs
• Provide and have oversight of human PK and dose predictions
• Contribute and define DMPK regulatory studies and documentation
• Participate in leadership team discussions to influence DMPK/project/company strategies
• Be an active team player, working closely and effectively with colleagues in pharmacology, chemistry, biology and toxicology.
• Work closely with the Clinical Pharmacology and CMC teams as projects continue to advance in the pipeline
  

Education, Experience and Skills:

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics or a related discipline and minimum 8 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• A proven track-record of DMPK drug-discovery and development experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment
• A strong team player with a passion for science and drug discovery
• Ability to lead a DMPK team, represent the DMPK and program strategy at scientific and executive meetings and positively influence and grow colleagues
• Strong knowledge of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic/dynamic principles
• Human pharmacokinetic prediction/IND-submission experience is preferred
• Good general knowledge of mass spectrometry, microsomal stability assays, metabolite identification, CYP inhibition and induction, covalent trapping, plasma protein binding, solubility determination, as well as the ability to work with hepatocytes.
  

Chinook is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.  We are committed to fostering an environment where ALL people are welcome and supported.  We respect and value different experiences and viewpoints.  We act respectfully toward one another and embrace diversity of people and ideas. Having a diverse workforce made up of team members who bring a wide variety of skills, abilities, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success. Creativity and innovation flourish in an environment of openness, inclusion, and mutual respect.