Staff Scientist - Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic (DMPK)

We are seeking a Staff Scientist in the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic (DMPK) department. The qualified candidate will be a critical member of the group and work closely with our established team performing various in vitro metabolism assays, metabolite identification studies, and bioanalytical work to screen chemical entities for new drug candidates. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a core discovery group within a successful biopharmaceutical company and bring drugs from ideas to the clinic.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and conduct various in vitro metabolism studies (metabolic stability, CYP inhibition) and in vivo PK studies to address specific DMPK questions in drug discovery
• Perform non-compartmental analysis (NCA) to determine PK parameters
• Develop analytical methods using a mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) to separate, detect, and quantitate small molecules/peptides
• Prepare and deliver scientific presentations and reports to communicate research results within and outside the DMPK department
• Influence discovery decisions and contribute significantly to corporate goals and project milestones
• Maintain a command of relevant scientific literature, research method sections of DMPK publications and evaluate implications for internal projects
• Assume responsibility for maintaining laboratory equipment, facilitate its use by other scientists, and maintain clear, detailed, and up-to-date experimental records
• Work with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology teams to optimize drug candidates; prepare reports for IND/NDA regulatory filings
• Conduct other duties as assigned

Position Requirements & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or related field with at least 5-6 years of hands-on, relevant DMPK lab experience working with a mass spectrometer (or Ph.D. or Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry with at least 2-3 years of experience)
• Experience performing metabolic stability, CYP inhibition, and metabolite ID studies in liver subcellular fractions, preparing and analyzing samples from biological matrices using a mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) as the primary analytical tool, and with sample preparation and bioanalysis of preclinical in vitro and in vivo ADME/PK studies
• Experience performing NCA analysis using Phoenix WinNonlin for preclinical PK studies
• Strong consideration will be given to candidates proficient in using and troubleshooting a LC-MS/MS (Sciex instrumentation is a plus)
• Demonstrated technical proficiency, scientific creativity, problem solving ability, and capable of independently planning and executing experiments while proactively seeking out senior personnel to discuss potential solutions to problems
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential in this collaborative work environment
• Highly motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment with a desire to learn and tackle new challenges

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $120,000 and $135,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery through late-stage development biopharmaceutical company. The Company's proprietary peptide technology platform enables de novo discovery of peptide therapeutics. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist's proprietary discovery platform are at or near commercialization. ICOTYDE™ (icotrokinra) is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. ICOTYDE is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) licensed to Janssen Biotech, Inc.,a Johnson & Johnson company. ICOTYDE was jointly discovered by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists, with Protagonist having primary responsibility for the development of ICOTYDE through Phase 1, and Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for further development and commercialization. An NDA for rusfertide, a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide that is being co-developed with Takeda Pharmaceuticals pursuant to a worldwide license and collaboration agreement entered in 2024, is under priority review with the FDA. Protagonist holds an option to co-commercialize rusfertide in the U.S. through a 50/50 profit and loss share structure or can opt-out of this structure. The Company also has a number of preclinical stage drug discovery programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets including an oral IL-17 peptide antagonist, obesity dual and triple agonists, an oral hepcidin functional mimetic, and the recently announced IL-4 and amylin programs.

More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company's website at https://www.protagonist-inc.com.