Scientist, DMPK/ADME

Company Description
Zymeworks is a publicly listed (NASDAQ:ZYME) clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation, biospecific and multifunctional biotherapeutics, initially focused on the treatment of cancer. Zymeworks' suite of complementary therapeutic platforms and its fully-integrated drug development engine provide the flexibility and compatibility to precisely engineer and develop highly-differentiated product candidates.

Why Work With Us

Nothing is more critical to our success than the quality of our team. The work we do is meaningful and impactful - we care about each other as well as the patients we serve. We offer challenging career opportunities, competitive benefits and an environment that recognizes and rewards performance.

Zymeworks is seeking a motivated Scientist, DMPK/ADME to join the Medicinal Chemistry group within the ADC Therapeutic Development department. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Medicinal Chemistry, in vivo Biology and PK, and Analytics groups and will be responsible for supporting pipeline program advancement and contributing to core platform technology improvements and innovation. The candidate will be challenged to critically analyze results and contribute to the Zymeworks team effort to create clinically and commercially relevant therapeutics.

This position will be based in Vancouver, BC and will report to the Principal Scientist & Group Lead, Medicinal Chemistry.

Zymeworks is proudly headquartered in our brand new, net-zero facility located in the vibrant Main St biotech hub of Vancouver, BC, with operations in Seattle, WA and Dublin, Ireland. We offer a hybrid work environment with most team members working in-office three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee contract research partners and develop in-house capabilities for in vitro DMPK assays
Contribute to the development and optimization of DMPK assays and methodologies
Analyze and interpret data from preclinical studies, and use this data to inform the design and optimization of drug candidates
Independently design in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of small molecule and ADCs
Play a key role in establishing in vitro to in vivo correlation/extrapolation, combining nonclinical in vivo data with in vitro drug characteristics, including drug metabolism, plasma protein binding, permeability, and solubility
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, biology, and analytics, to advance programs through the drug development pipeline
Prepare and present data at internal and external meetings, conferences, and in scientific journals
Support the development of intellectual property through the generation of data and preparation of patent applications
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics through literature review and attendance at scientific conferences
Adhere to standard procedures for generating, documenting, and archiving data. An accurate, up-to-date electronic notebook is mandatory.
Foster effective and collaborative working relationships with fellow employees and management.

Qualifications and Experience

PhD with 2-5 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills and Abilities

Proficiency in understanding and analyzing in vitro ADME/T and in vivo DMPK. Ability to contextualize and use results to guide lead optimizations
Solid knowledge of in vitro ADME assays, including but not limited to:
- Permeability (PAMPA, Caco-2)
- Transporter studies (Pgp, BCRP, etc.)
- Plasma stability, plasma protein binding, blood-to-plasma partitioning
- In vitro metabolism (metabolic stability in microsomes, hepatocytes, etc.), metabolite profiling and identification (metID), phase 1 and phase 2 metabolic reactions
- CYP studies (CYP450 and UGT)
- In vitro toxicity (hERG, HepaRG, myelosuppression, etc.)
Familiarity with tissue preparation and extraction procedures
Experience in techniques and protocols for the quantitation of drug candidates and metabolites in biological matrices
Strong understanding of in vivo DMPK principles
Understanding of structure-activity relationships (SAR) related to ADME and pharmacological properties to drive optimization of therapeutics
Understanding of molecular characteristics of both small molecules and large molecules (antibodies and ADCs) and their main routes of dispositions
Familiar with free drug hypothesis and drug exposure in the disease-target tissues
Develop new methodologies to address scientific questions
Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a cross-functional team
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Provide mentoring and coaching to more junior personnel
Good organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while balancing activities across multiple projects
Results-oriented individual
Excellent oral, presentation, and scientific/technical writing skills
Experience with antibody and/or antibody drug conjugates preferred

Total Rewards

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, which includes competitive salaries, generous benefits, an outstanding work environment, and excellent opportunities for professional growth. We regularly benchmark our compensation against leading biotechnology companies in our geographies.

Our team enjoys:

Industry leading vacation and paid time off
Excellent health and wellness benefits
Zymelife health and wellness benefits
Paid time off to volunteer in your community
Matching RRSP / 401K program
Employee Share Purchase Program
Employee Equity Program

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability.

NOTE TO AGENCIES: Zymeworks values our relationships with our recruiting partners. We only accept resumes from those partners who have been contracted with us. Zymeworks is not responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited or are received without contract.