Pioneering Medicines: Director, In Vivo Pharmacology - Metabolic Disease

About the role

Flagship Pioneering is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of In Vivo Pharmacology to lead efforts in the discovery and development of therapies targeting metabolic diseases. This on-site role, based in Cambridge, MA, involves overseeing the in vivo pharmacology activities within the company's expanding portfolio focused on obesity and metabolic disorders. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, managing internal teams and external CRO partnerships, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to drive project advancement. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a seasoned scientist to influence early-stage drug discovery, mentor junior staff, and contribute to innovative therapeutic solutions in metabolic health.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the primary leader for the in vivo pharmacology team working on projects related to metabolic diseases, obesity, and associated disorders, ensuring alignment with overall drug discovery strategies.
• Develop, plan, and oversee in vivo efficacy studies using relevant animal models, including rodents, to evaluate the therapeutic potential of candidate compounds such as small molecules, antibodies, peptides, and genetic therapies.
• Design and implement pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models to assess drug behavior, target engagement, and disease-modifying effects, ensuring the selection of appropriate endpoints and biomarkers.
• Lead the development of disease-specific models and biomarkers that can accurately predict clinical outcomes and facilitate translational research efforts.
• Collaborate with other functional teams, including in vitro pharmacology, DMPK/Toxicology, and translational sciences, to ensure seamless project progression from discovery to preclinical development.
• Manage and supervise internal staff conducting in vivo studies, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee external CRO studies, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery of data to meet project milestones.
• Engage in hands-on laboratory work, including animal handling, metabolic phenotyping, and behavioral studies, to maintain technical expertise and ensure experimental rigor.
• Participate in cross-functional project meetings, providing insights from in vivo studies and contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Develop and refine study protocols, standard operating procedures, and data analysis plans to uphold scientific integrity and reproducibility.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, study summaries, and regulatory documentation as needed.
• Foster collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners, including Flagship Platform companies and external pharmaceutical collaborators, to develop research strategies and evaluate new programs.
• Stay current with advances in in vivo pharmacology, metabolic disease models, and related technologies to continuously improve research approaches and methodologies.
• Support the company's mission by contributing to a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and teamwork, and by mentoring junior scientists to develop their skills and careers.

Requirements

• PhD in pharmacology, physiology, biomedical sciences, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience, or a Master's degree with at least 12 years of experience in in vivo pharmacology or related disciplines.
• Extensive experience designing and executing in vivo efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic studies, particularly in models of obesity and metabolic diseases.
• Proven expertise in developing and utilizing disease-specific animal models, including metabolic and behavioral cage systems, and metabolic phenotyping technologies.
• Strong understanding of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic assessments, target engagement, and biomarker development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead multidisciplinary teams, including mentoring junior staff and coordinating external CRO activities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly and collaborate effectively across teams and external partners.
• Experience working in a fast-paced research environment, with a track record of advancing projects from concept through to preclinical validation.
• Knowledge of animal facility operations, study protocols, IACUC interactions, and regulatory compliance is preferred.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility.

Nice to have

• Experience with modalities such as small molecules, antibodies, peptides, and genetic therapies.
• Familiarity with cardiovascular models and related research is a plus.
• Prior experience managing animal studies, writing protocols, and preparing study reports for regulatory submissions.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other data management tools.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to work across diverse teams and external partners to achieve common goals.
• Passion for innovation in metabolic disease research and a desire to contribute to impactful therapeutic discoveries.

Skills & tools

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of conveying complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Technical proficiency in animal handling, metabolic phenotyping, and pharmacological assessments.
• Familiarity with data analysis software and laboratory management tools.

Practical notes

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• The salary range for this role is between $172,000 and $236,500, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.
• Flagship Pioneering offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare coverage, an annual incentive program, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.
• The compensation estimate provided is current as of the posting date and may be subject to future adjustments.
• This role requires on-site presence in Cambridge, MA, and does not include remote or hybrid options unless explicitly stated.
• Candidates who meet some but not all qualifications are encouraged to apply; the company values diverse backgrounds and inclusive teams.
• The position involves working in a regulated environment, with adherence to animal welfare standards and laboratory safety protocols.
• The company promotes a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration, aiming to develop transformative therapies for metabolic diseases.