Senior/Principal Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

Kodiak Sciences Inc. is a rapidly growing, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming ophthalmology through innovative therapeutics. Our proprietary Antibody Biopolymer Conjugate Drug (ABCD) platform integrates protein engineering, polymer chemistry, small molecule drug discovery, and advanced drug delivery technologies to address prevalent and debilitating retinal diseases with the goal of improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Kodiak Sciences is seeking a highly motivated and independent Senior/Principal Scientist to join the In Vivo Pharmacology team. This role will focus on developing program-specific in vivo pharmacology strategies, establishing pharmacodynamic/efficacy models, and generating preclinical proof-of-concept and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships across portfolio programs. The ideal candidate will possess deep scientific expertise in ophthalmic pharmacology, strong technical and analytical capabilities, and demonstrate leadership in managing complex preclinical studies and external collaborations. This individual will play a critical role in advancing innovative therapeutic candidates in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret preclinical efficacy, PK/PD, and ex vivo studies to support discovery, lead optimization, and translational research programs.
• Serve as the in vivo pharmacology subject matter expert on cross-functional project teams and contribute to program strategy and decision-making.
• Develop and optimize relevant animal models and pharmacology assays to support mechanism-of-action studies and candidate evaluation.
• Draft, manage, and maintain IACUC protocols in compliance with institutional and regulatory animal welfare requirements.
• Partner closely with the IACUC committee and support vivarium and laboratory operations to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Provide scientific mentorship, technical guidance, and training to junior scientists and research associates.
• Manage relationships with CROs and external collaborators to ensure high-quality study execution, timelines, and deliverables.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets and communicate effectively through presentations, technical reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and implement innovative approaches to accelerate program timelines and deepen mechanistic understanding.

Education / Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline with 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience designing, conducting, and interpreting in vivo pharmacology studies, including preparation and management of IACUC protocols.
• Strong understanding of ophthalmic disease biology, translational pharmacology, animal model development, and standard preclinical pharmacology study designs.
• Proficiency in animal handling, dosing, blood/tissue collection, and ocular procedures; experience with intravitreal injection is preferred.
• Experience conducting rabbit studies is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead studies and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex scientific concepts and data to multidisciplinary audiences.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to scientific rigor and data quality.