Head of DMPK

tl;dr

General Proximity is a seed-stage startup developing the next generation of induced proximity medicines (IPMs). Our OmniTAC drug discovery engine furnishes molecules that co-opt existing cellular machinery to overcome therapeutic challenges, which have remained unapproachable to other modalities for decades.

We are seeking a first-rate DMPK expert to help us pioneer this uncharted frontier of drug discovery.

OUR STORY

A long-standing challenge in drug discovery is the development of molecules capable of modulating difficult or "undruggable" targets. Disease-causing proteins can be dysfunctional in many different ways, but our armamentarium for fixing them is quite limited. The most common mechanism of action for FDA-approved drugs is inhibition, but there are many other possible perturbation types whose potential remains unrealized.

General Proximity is a seed-stage drug discovery company developing a novel platform technology to solve this problem. We make bifunctional drugs that induce the modification of drug targets by existing cellular machinery (rather than through direct modulation by the drug, the classical approach).

Historically, the development of technologies that allow one to push new buttons in biology has been an incredibly fertile field for the discovery of new medicines, and our technology holds the same promise.

THE POSITION

We are seeking an experienced Head of DMPK to lead and shape our drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics function. This is a high-impact leadership role in which you will own the DMPK strategy across our small molecule portfolio, build and mentor a growing team, and serve as the primary DMPK voice in cross-functional and external settings.

You will set scientific direction, drive regulatory strategy, and play a pivotal role in advancing programs from lead optimization through IND and into clinical development. You will work closely with our medicinal chemistry, structural biology, pharmacology, and toxicology teams to translate DMPK science into actionable program decisions.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on scientific leader who combines deep technical expertise in ADME, in vivo PK, and PK/PD modeling with the ability to build and inspire a high-performing team. This role is ideal for someone who has led DMPK at a pharma or biotech and now wants to build the function from the ground up at a mission-driven company working at the frontier of induced proximity medicine.

Critically, this role demands familiarity with the unique DMPK challenges of induced proximity medicines and bifunctional molecules. These include non-linear and dose-dependent pharmacokinetics arising from ternary complex formation, linker and warhead metabolic soft spots, high molecular weight and physicochemical complexity affecting permeability and oral bioavailability, tissue distribution considerations for proteasome-engaging degraders, and the interpretation of hook-effect phenomena in in vitro and in vivo settings. Experience in TPD, molecular glue, PROTAC, or other bifunctional modality DMPK is a meaningful differentiator for this role. 

ABOUT YOU

High Agency. Initiative, independence, and self-accountability are some of our most valued traits.

Enthusiastic. We love people who are excited about what they are doing and are actively working to build a high-energy team.

Intensity and Grit. Early-stage startups are hard. Drug discovery is doubly so. We are looking for candidates who have a demonstrated ability to stick with complex problems for the long haul, with a team that has your back along the way.

Prosocial. We are here to create life-saving medicines for the patients who need it most. You should be, too.

QUALIFICATIONS & NICE-TO-HAVES

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 10 years of industry experience in DMPK, preferably in large pharma, spanning drug discovery and development, with a track record of advancing small molecule programs
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing scientists, building teams, and influencing cross-functional strategy
• Deep expertise in in vitro ADME and in vivo PK, with the ability to translate data into actionable drug discovery insights at a program level
• Expert-level proficiency in PK data analysis (Phoenix WinNonlin or equivalent) and PBPK/PK-PD modeling platforms (Simcyp, GastroPlus, or equivalent)
• Proven track record of leading IND-enabling DMPK programs and authoring regulatory submissions
• Extensive experience with FDA, EMA, and ICH guidance relevant to DMPK (DDI, MIST, M9/M10, bioanalytical validation)
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex DMPK science for diverse audiences including senior leadership and investors
• Demonstrated oversight of regulated bioanalytical activities, including LC-MS/MS method development and validation and GLP bioanalysis in support of IND-enabling programs
• Working knowledge of clinical pharmacology principles, including FIH dose projection, DDI risk assessment, and exposure–response analysis, sufficient to support drug development through early clinical stages

Nice to have:  

• Experience building a DMPK function from the ground up at a startup or early-stage biotech
• Track record of advancing at least one small molecule program through IND and into Phase 1/2 clinical trials
• Prior experience in business development, due diligence, or partnering activities involving DMPK assessment
• Familiarity with AI/ML-based ADME prediction tools and an interest in integrating computational approaches (e.g., ML-driven metabolic stability or permeability models, digital twins for PK simulation) into the DMPK workflow alongside established platforms such as Simcyp and GastroPlus

BENEFITS

• Strong equity incentives. We are looking for candidates who will bring a strong sense of ownership to drive their project areas forward, and we believe that you deserve to be compensated accordingly.
• Top tier medical, dental, and vision coverage One Medical membership.
• 401(k) retirement plans.
• Education and health/fitness incentive programs.
• Meditation retreats—do a ten-day Vipassana retreat without counting towards vacation days. 
• Reading budget! We will buy you books. 📚
• Located in the MBC BioLabs at 135 Mississippi Street, an entrepreneurial hub full of the best scientists and operators the Bay Area has to offer. Our lab is a very short walk from the 22nd St Caltrain Station and a number of wonderful restaurants and cafés.

ABOUT US

Work Hard/Play Hard. We believe time is our most valuable commodity, so we strive to create a culture that reflects this. We won’t drag you through unnecessary meetings or email you at 7 PM on a Saturday. When we're at work, we're there to get things done, and when we're off, we're really off. 🌴

Strong Communication. We like well-written documents over PowerPoints, OKRs over vague mission statements, and weekly one-on-ones over yearly reviews.

Writing First. We have a "writing-first" culture. We believe that clarity of writing reflects clarity of thinking and that the benefits of well-written documentation in a scientific environment are innumerable: democratization of ideation and decision-making, increased reproducibility, quicker scaling and onboarding, and better company-wide alignment, to name a few.

Growth. As an early-stage startup, we value scientists with an independent, can-do attitude. The more hats you can wear, the better. Our job as employers is to put you in positive feedback loops so you can grow in the direction of your choosing.

Title and compensation commensurate with experience. Applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, women, and members of underrepresented minority groups are particularly welcomed. We look forward to hearing from you. :)

More info at jobs.generalproximity.bio