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Who We Are:

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company dedicated to developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases. By leveraging validated biology and a rational drug discovery approach, Cogent aims to create real solutions that address the underlying drivers of disease and offer meaningful hope to patient's.

The company’s lead therapeutic candidate, bezuclastinib, is a highly selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to potently target KIT D816V and other mutations in KIT exon 17. These mutations are known drivers of systemic mastocytosis (SM) and advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) - both serious conditions driven by oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib is currently being evaluated in multiple registration-directed trials across Non-Advanced SM (NonAdvSM), Advanced SM (AdvSM), and GIST. In July 2025, Cogent announced that its registration-direct SUMMIT trial in patients with NonAdvSM achieved statistical significance across all primary and key secondary endpoints, and the company is on track to file its first New Drug Application for this patient population by the end of 2025. The company also remains on track to announce top-line results for its APEX trial in patients with AdvSM in the second half of 2025 and for its PEAK trial in patients with GIST by the end of 2025. The company also has an ongoing Phase 1 study of its novel internally discovered FGFR2 inhibitor, and the Cogent Research Team is developing a portfolio of novel targeted therapies to help patients fighting other serious, genetically driven diseases targeting mutations in ErbB2, PI3Kα and KRAS.

Through its commitment to precision medicine and targeted innovation, Cogent Biosciences is working to transform the treatment landscape for patients with serious and underserved diseases. By leveraging validated biology and a rational drug discovery approach, Cogent aims to create real solutions that address the underlying drivers of disease. Our culture of inquisitiveness fuels continuous learning and innovation; we challenge assumptions, ask bold questions, and embrace a mindset of discovery to uncover transformative insights.

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced pharmacologist to lead our in vivo research and translational pharmacology efforts in oncology drug discovery and development. This is an in-person leadership role based in Boulder, CO, overseeing a team of 5–10 scientists and research associates. The successful candidate will drive strategy, collaborate cross-functionally to advance novel therapeutics toward the clinic, and lead nonclinical regulatory filings.

Responsibilities:

Lead and mentor a team of pharmacologists conducting in vivo oncology studies.
Serve as pharmacology lead on cross-functional project teams, contributing to program strategy and decision-making.
Contribute to new targets identification and validation.
Collaborate with internal teams (research, translational medicine, clinical, med affairs) and external partners to support drug discovery and early development.
Guide development and implementation of new models, technologies, and workflows to enhance translational relevance.
Present data and recommendations to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Lead nonclinical pharmacology regulatory efforts, report writing, and filings.

Preferred Experience:

Familiarity with small molecule and/or biologics development.
Experience with CRO management and external collaborations.
Experience with IACUC and vivarium management

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, or related field, with 15+ years of industry experience in oncology drug discovery and development.
Proven leadership experience managing scientific teams and in vivo pharmacology groups.
Deep expertise in rodent models of cancer, including xenograft, syngeneic, and genetically engineered models.
Strong understanding of PK/PD relationships and translational pharmacology.
Hands-on experience with regulatory filings.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment.

Salary Range:

$220,000- 250,000 USD

Target Bonus: 20%

Exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Our Locations

Waltham, MA: Our Boston office includes an open office layout that has recently undergone a makeover designed for collaboration and giving our employees the best work place possible. Free access is provided for both on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO: We have just moved into our new state-of-the art Research Facility in the fast-growing biopharmaceutical hub in the greater Denver/Boulder corridor. Our CEO is based full-time in this location and we are proud to call this the home of Cogent’s discovery research organization.

Our Offer To You

To attract the very best talent, we offer a generous benefits package that includes competitive pay, performance-based bonus, stock options, insurance coverage (health, dental, life, and disability), competitive time-off, a 401(k) plan, and commuter/parking benefits.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Director, Pharmacology & Translational Science

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