Director/Senior Director, Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics (DMPK)

Company Overview 

At Renasant Bio, we are driven by a simple goal: to change what’s possible for patients with kidney disease. ADPKD remains one of the most challenging areas in medicine, and we believe it requires bold thinking, rigorous science, and a team committed to doing things differently.

We’re looking for individuals who bring both scientific rigor and creativity to hard problems, and who believe great work is built through respectful, direct collaboration. You communicate with honesty and transparency, adapt quickly as priorities evolve, and hold yourself—and others—to a high standard. Above all, you operate with urgency and purpose, grounded in the knowledge that patients are waiting.

Based at Bakar Labs in Berkeley, CA with additional support in Cambridge, MA, we are advancing new therapies designed to make a meaningful difference for patients.

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Director/Senior Director of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) to lead the design and execution of DMPK strategies across our small molecule discovery and development programs.

This role is primarily focused on enabling high-quality decision-making across the portfolio: driving DMPK strategy from early discovery through human POC studies, guiding compound optimization, and ensuring robust characterization of pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and exposure-response relationships.

In addition to core scientific leadership, this individual will play a critical role in shaping program strategy, working closely with medicinal chemistry, biology, and external partners to integrate DMPK insights into broader project decisions. As Renasant rapidly advances its pipeline, this role will be instrumental in supporting the company’s goal of bringing multiple drug candidates into the clinic.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, early-stage environment and is excited to build and scale DMPK capabilities while influencing the trajectory of multiple programs.

This role is approximately 60–70% strategic scientific leadership and 30–40% hands-on execution and external oversight, with the opportunity to expand scope as the pipeline grows. This is a hybrid position based in either Berkeley, CA or Cambridge, MA, requiring at least three days per week onsite.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Metabolism, or related discipline

12+ years of industry experience in DMPK within biotech or pharmaceutical settings

Demonstrated success advancing small molecule programs from discovery through IND

Deep expertise in ADME, human PK simulations, PK/PD modeling, and translational science

Experience working in or with early-stage companies, with comfort operating in resource-constrained, fast-paced environments

Strong track record of managing external CROs and consultants, and delivering high-quality data

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and leadership

Key Responsibilities

DMPK Strategy & Scientific Leadership

Define and execute DMPK strategies across discovery and early development programs

Design and interpret in vitro and in vivo studies to guide compound optimization and candidate selection

Lead PK/PD modeling and exposure-response analyses to inform dosing strategies and translational plans

Provide scientific leadership in understanding ADME properties

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, biology, and project teams to integrate DMPK insights into compound design and program decisions

Contribute to program strategy discussions, helping prioritize compounds and guide advancement decisions

Collaborate with toxicology and clinical teams to ensure alignment across preclinical and translational efforts

 

External Vendor & CRO Management

Identify, select, and manage CRO partners and consultants to execute DMPK studies with high quality and efficiency

Oversee study design, data interpretation, and reporting from external partners

Ensure timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met across outsourced activities

 

Regulatory & Development Contributions

Support IND-enabling activities, including preparation of DMPK sections for regulatory filings

Contribute to interactions with regulatory agencies as needed

Ensure DMPK data packages meet regulatory expectations and support clinical development plans

Who You Are

You think like an owner—balancing scientific rigor with speed and pragmatism

You are both strategic and hands-on, comfortable zooming in and out as needed

You thrive in ambiguity and enjoy building as much as executing

You are collaborative, direct, and low-ego, with a focus on team success over individual recognition

You are motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact for patients with serious disease

We believe in building balanced teams. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.