In Vivo Pharmacology – Principal Scientist / Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director
Think Bioscience:
We develop small-molecule drugs for historically challenging targets by using our synthetic biology platform to uncover novel mechanisms of biomolecular engagement (e.g., new functional pockets). Our team leverages expertise in synthetic biology, protein biophysics, applied enzymology, computational chemistry, and medicinal chemistry to advance small molecules with biochemical activities previously deemed difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. We are passionate about improving the lives of patients with innovative science.
About the Position:
We are seeking an experienced pharmacologist to design and manage in vivo studies that advance our programs toward clinical candidates. This role will work closely with biologists, medicinal and computational chemists, and external CRO partners to build and execute our pharmacology and translational strategy. The ideal candidate has deep in vivo expertise, is excited to balance hands-on study management with high-level strategy discussions, and can move fluidly between disease areas (e.g., rare disease RASopathies and oncology). This is an on-site position in Boulder, CO.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the in vivo pharmacology lead for several drug discovery projects. Establish in vivo strategy and study plans. Ensure that projects have all critical in vivo data to enable project stage dependent decisions.
- Design, manage, and interpret in vivo pharmacology studies—including PK/PD, efficacy, and tolerability—to advance programs toward development candidates.
- Select, develop, and validate disease-relevant animal models.
- Manage internal and external in vivo work, overseeing study quality, timelines, data integrity, and budget across multiple programs.
- Collaborate with chemistry and biology teams to integrate pharmacology, PK, and biomarker data to drive compound optimization across potency, selectivity, exposure, and safety.
- Oversee animal welfare and regulatory compliance, including IACUC protocol design and adherence to applicable in vivo study guidelines.
- Prepare and present study designs and data to internal teams and external partners, contribute to Think Bioscience's overall pharmacology and translational strategy, and contribute to nonclinical study reports supporting IND filings.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in pharmacology, physiology, biology, or a related discipline, with 5+ years of experience designing and managing in vivo studies in biotech or pharma (title and level commensurate with experience).
- Demonstrated expertise designing, executing, and interpreting in vivo pharmacology studies (PK/PD, efficacy, tolerability, biomarker) and translating results into program decisions
- Experience with disease-relevant animal models in rare and/or multisystem diseases—RASopathies or other genetically defined disorders strongly preferred
- Familiarity with DMPK principles (clearance, oral bioavailability, exposure-response relationships) and ability to integrate PK/PD data into compound optimization decisions.
- Expertise in oncology/immuno-oncology models or demonstrated adaptability across multiple therapeutic areas
- Experience managing external CROs and collaborating across chemistry, biology, and DMPK teams; working knowledge of IACUC processes and animal welfare standards
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to internal teams and external partners
- Demonstrated productivity through patents, publications, and/or contributions to development candidates
What We Offer:
- Collaborative environment for innovative science and a mission-driven company
- Opportunity for technical expansion and professional growth
- Ability to influence key decisions in a fast-growing startup
- Equity participation in a well-capitalized company with differentiated platform technology and a first-in-class pipeline
- Competitive compensation and benefits package, including a salary range of $120,000-180,000 per year (title and salary commensurate with experience)
Think Bioscience is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.