Senior Principal Scientist, DMPK
Who We Are:
Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single-agent and combination dosing.
The Role: This position works with a fast-paced team in Drug Discovery and Development to provide scientific direction and strategy across the DMPK department by being an expert in the design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro ADME and in vivo PK experiments. The successful candidate will utilize their strong knowledge of ADME/PK to collaborate cross-functionally with in-house medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology teams and outside CROs, functioning as the DMPK lead for small molecule drug discovery projects. Critical thinking, independence, and innovative problem-solving are hallmarks of the position.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and implement evolving DMPK strategies within the department, program team, and work across disciplines to advance small molecule oncology therapeutics toward the clinic.
- Apply literature, cutting-edge techniques, and critical thinking to solve problems within DMPK with high independence.
- Design, conduct, and supervise the analysis of in vitro and in vivo DMPK studies.
- Interpret bioanalytical and PK results and perform NCA PK modeling.
- Develop LC-UV-MS/MS analytical methods to quantitate compounds, metabolites, and biomarkers in biological fluids.
- Manage interactions with CROs to support program team objectives.
- Conduct written and verbal scientific presentations to project teams.
- Prepare data and reports as needed for dose prediction, IND, and other regulatory needs.
- Good written and oral communication skills, including timely electronic laboratory notebook entries, group presentations, and meeting administration.
- Proven work ethic, competence, enthusiasm, problem-solving, and team focus.
Qualifications:
Education:
PhD in Drug Metabolism, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry or other relevant field. Other non-PhD degree applicants with similar area of focus will be considered with significant years of industrial experience and demonstrated breadth of DMPK knowledge.
Experience:
• PhD in a scientific discipline, or MS with 8 years of experience, or BS with 10 years of experience.
• Expertise performing quantitative bioanalysis in various biological matrices using LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• In vitro ADME exposure, in vivo PK and PK modeling.
• Working together with a project team to identify clinical candidates a plus.
• Contributions to the preparation of FDA regulatory documents a plus.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Critical thinking, problem solving, independence, cross-discipline awareness, multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinking to implement effective tactics quickly.
• Scientific and technical knowledge around pharmacokinetics, formulation, drug metabolism, drug transporters and enzyme kinetics.
• Working in-depth knowledge of ADME/DMPK and relationships of in vitro and in vivo assays
• Strong knowledge of LC-MS/MS instrumentation, troubleshooting, method development and analysis of biological fluids and tissues, preferably on Sciex QQQ platform.
• Non-compartmental PK modeling, metabolite identification, in vitro ADME and in vivo assay development, drug formulation, project presentations, meeting supervision, and report writing.
• Human dose prediction, process automation via software or robotics is a plus.
Salary Range:
$150,000 - 175,00 USD
Waltham, MA: Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.
Boulder, CO: Our Boulder location is home to Cogent’s discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.
Our Offer To You
At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.
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.
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