Who We Are: MapLight Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company that focuses on drug discovery for central nervous system disorders. We combine cutting-edge technologies including optogenetics, in vivo physiology, and spatial transcriptomics to identify novel drug targets and develop effective therapies to address psychiatric symptoms.

What You’ll Do: We are currently seeking an experienced and creative drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) expert who will have scientific oversight of small molecule discovery projects.Reporting to SVP, Drug Discovery, the DMPK subject matter expert will manage in vitro and in vivo PK, ADME and bioanalytical assays through a network of CROs. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with medicinal chemists and other team members to develop and implement studies to address key program DMPK issues and successfully advance research compounds into development.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure adequate characterization and liability assessment to support candidate nomination and clinical dose projections.
• Ensure the generation of high quality nonclinical DMPK study reports and to assist in preparation of documents for IND fiings and IBs.
• Prepare and deliver relevant scientific presentations to senior management, project teams, and collaborators.
• Serve as a DMPK project lead on discovery project teams
• Be responsible for the design and interpretation of DMPK studies necessary for the selection of clinical candidates
• Primary responsibility for the scientific rigor of PK reports, and contributing author of DMPK sections for regulatory submissions and IB updates
• Contribute to organization and maintenance of DMPK research data
• Present data at project team meetings and senior leadership meetings
• Monitor and maximize impact of DMPK budget

Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant scientific field with 7-10 years of work experience in Drug Discovery/Development DMPK or Master’s in Pharmacology with 15 years of experience
• Strong publication record in the area of ADME/PK coupled with a high level of scientific curiosity and analytical thinking skills
• Prior success demonstrating strong leadership, collaboration and influence throughout the organization
• Experience in coordination of in vitro metabolism, drug distribution, DDI, transporters and/or protein binding studies
• Experience in supervising the execution of bioanalytical assays and the development of such assays
• Experience supporting the successful delivery of small molecule prodrugs into preclinical development
• Familiar with ABI Analyst, Excel, WinNonlin Phoenix and Prism
• Capable of working autonomously and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team setting
• Strong verbal, written communication and relationship skills including success managing external vendors
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Success operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Travel:

• The position is remote, and some travel will be required (<10%).

MapLight is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.