Jobs at Viking Therapeutics

Viking Therapeutics is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director or Senior Director, Preclinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, to support the advancement of innovative therapies for metabolic disease and obesity. The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, execution, interpretation, and strategic integration of preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies supporting peptide and small-molecule drug candidates from discovery through IND and early clinical development. This individual will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including DMPK, CMC, Clinical Pharmacology, Regulatory, and external CRO partners.

•  Lead nonclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and toxicology strategies for obesity and metabolic disease programs.
• Design, monitor, and interpret GLP and non-GLP toxicology studies, safety pharmacology studies, exploratory mechanistic studies, and juvenile and reproductive toxicology programs, as applicable.
• Serve as the scientific lead for CRO interactions, study oversight, and data review.
• Integrate pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, toxicokinetic, pathology, and biomarker data to support lead selection, optimization, and development decisions.
• Contribute to INDs, Investigator’s Brochures, briefing books, NDAs, and other regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with clinical and translational teams to support dose selection and risk assessment.
• Evaluate emerging literature and the competitive landscape in obesity and metabolic disease therapeutics.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building scientific capabilities across the organization.
• Support strategic planning for combination and next-generation metabolic therapies.
• Other duties as assigned.

• PhD, DVM, PharmD, or equivalent degree in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Physiology, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Preferred expertise in metabolic disease pharmacology, obesity therapeutics, GLP-compliant toxicology, and translational science.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling programs.
• Familiarity with ICH nonclinical guidelines and other regulatory guidance related to nonclinical development.
• Understanding of peptide therapeutics and small-molecule drug development.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with GLP-1/GIP/amylin or related metabolic pathways, combination therapies, acute and chronic toxicology programs, and DMPK/TK interpretation.
• Prior interactions with FDA and global regulatory agencies.
• Experience managing external CRO networks and budgets.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment while managing multiple concurrent programs.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Team Player with excellent written and verbal communication skills.