Director, Discovery Pharmacology (Strategy)

MBX Biosciences is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Pharmacologist to join our drug discovery team as the Director of Discovery Pharmacology.  You will be responsible for overseeing the design, execution, and interpretation of pharmacology studies supporting the identification/assessment and validation of novel peptide-based therapeutics and drug targets.  The discovery pharmacology leader will work collaboratively with cross functional teams (in vitro pharmacology, toxicology, medical, clinical, regulatory, academia and CROs) on the Discovery Candidate Selection Strategy and to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality data and reports from our CRO and Academic partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and scientific leadership for discovery pharmacology, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision and goals.
• Work closely with a cross functional team on strategy for lead selection, lead optimization and delivery of a high quality candidate selection for further development.
• Strong interaction with Sr. Director Chemistry, and with Discovery peptide and analytical chemists in support of building the MBX portfolio.
• Recruit additional pharmacology staff, over time, as required.
• Design and implement in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of drug candidates.
• Interpret and communicate pharmacology data and results to internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, program teams, regulatory agencies, and scientific publications.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with external collaborators, CROs, and academic institutions.
• Stay current in the latest scientific and technological advances in the field of peptide pharmacology and drug discovery.
• Contribute to the identification and validation of novel peptide targets, and therapeutic areas of interest.
• Interface, as necessary, with MBX Regulatory on submission of data to Regulatory Agencies.
• Provide input on discovery pharmacology strategic and tactical direction for multiple project teams as they advance novel peptides from target discovery through lead optimization to clinical development.
• Write or review pharmacology sections of Candidate Selection documents, and, as necessary, contribute to IND, Investigator Brochures (IB), NDA, and Biologics License Application (BLA)

We’re looking for:

• PhD in Pharmacology, Biology, or related discipline, with minimum six (6) years of relevant experience in drug discovery and development. 
• Proven track record of working with cross-functional teams and projects in the areas of novel peptide target validation and development
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in various pharmacology techniques and models, including animal disease models, biomarkers, PK/PD, and toxicology.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a matrixed and collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically, and to solve complex scientific problems.
• Experience in working with external collaborators, academic partners and CROs and managing contracts and budgets.
• Familiarity with the drug development process and regulatory requirements
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to represent Nonclinical Discovery pharmacology in cross functional teams and externally.
• Ability to think strategically and to provide clear direction and expectations to other team members in a highly dynamic environment.
• Strong ability to prioritize daily work based on changing business requirements.
• Self-motivated, independent, and results oriented.  Your initiative to dig into the literature to generate new ideas will be put to great use.
• Commitment to MBX’s core values—transparency, integrity, diversity, teamwork, innovation, and scientific excellence

Company Overview:

MBX is an early clinical-stage biotech company pioneering a new era for peptide therapeutics to simplify management of endocrine diseases and enable greater access for patients.  MBX’s leadership team has collaborated successfully over several decades to discover, develop, and commercialize first-in-class therapeutics.

Our team is driven to transform the current treatment landscape with life-restoring therapies that offer precision pharmacology while reducing the frequency of injections or eliminating injections entirely. A distinguishing strength of MBX is world-class proprietary peptide drug discovery and platform technology. MBX is funded by leading venture capital firms including Frazier Healthcare Partners, OrbiMed, and New Enterprise Associates.

EEO Statement:

MBX Biosciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to treating all applicants fairly without discrimination. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any unlawful criterion under applicable law.