Senior / Principal Scientist, DMPK

Senior / Principal Scientist, DMPK

Department: Research & Development

Location: Boulder, CO (onsite)

At Ambrosia Biosciences, our mission is to develop innovative, orally delivered small-molecule therapies that address the global challenges of obesity and metabolic disorders. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, we leverage a world-class team of scientists to pioneer next-generation treatments targeting incretins and GPCRs. Backed by premier syndicate of investors including Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, Redmile, Deep Track Capital, BVF Partners, and Boulder Ventures, we are committed to advancing safe, effective, and accessible therapeutics that transform lives worldwide.

As our lead oral small molecule GLP-1 candidate enters Phase 1 clinical trials and we accelerate the development of our broader preclinical pipeline, we seek passionate, driven individuals eager to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. If you're ready to contribute to cutting-edge science with real-world applications and help shape the next generation of combinable metabolic therapies, we invite you to join our team.

Position Overview

The DMPK group at Ambrosia Biosciences is seeking a highly hands-on, experienced scientist to join our team as a Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist. This is an onsite, lab-based role focused on discovery-stage and preclinical small-molecule programs.

The successful candidate will have direct experience generating, analyzing, and interpreting DMPK and bioanalytical data, including work with in vivo plasma samples, LC-MS/MS-based quantitation, HPLC/UPLC workflows, and pharmacokinetic analysis using Phoenix WinNonlin. This individual should be able to run and troubleshoot bioanalytical methods, analyze PK data, understand the underlying drug metabolism science, and translate results into clear recommendations for medicinal chemistry and program teams.

This role requires someone who can contribute immediately with minimal technical onboarding, work effectively with internal discovery teams, and manage and troubleshoot studies conducted with CRO partners. The level of the position will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute hands-on DMPK and bioanalytical work, including the preparation and analysis of in vivo plasma samples, supporting discovery-stage and preclinical small-molecule programs.

• Serve as the DMPK subject matter expert on cross-functional teams, integrating findings into compound design and providing recommendations for program decisions.

• Manage CRO studies, including protocol input, data review, troubleshooting, and interpretation of final results, and present key data/conclusions to project teams and leadership.

Education & Experience

• Senior Scientist: Ph.D. with 2–5 years of experience or M.S. with 5–7 years of experience in DMPK, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Principal Scientist: Ph.D. with 5–8+ years of experience or M.S. with >8 years of experience in DMPK, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in small-molecule DMPK within biotech or pharmaceutical drug discovery is required.

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret in vitro ADME assays and in vivo PK studies with minimal supervision is required.

• Working knowledge of LC-MS/MS bioanalysis, HPLC systems, and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ideally SCIEX instruments) is required; this is an essential qualification.
• Prior hands-on use of Phoenix WinNonlin for noncompartmental analysis and pharmacokinetic data interpretation is required; this is an essential qualification.
• Demonstrated track record of supporting small-molecule discovery and preclinical development programs through lead optimization and candidate selection.
• Deep understanding of ADME/DMPK principles and their application to multiparameter optimization in drug discovery, specifically covering metabolic stability, permeability, protein binding, solubility, metabolite profiling, and drug-drug interaction risk.
• Experience working effectively in cross-functional discovery teams and translating complex data into actionable scientific recommendations.

Additional Skills

• Experience with human PK prediction, PK/PD modeling, and translational strategies is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing external CROs and integrating outsourced study results into internal project workflows.
• Prior experience in obesity, metabolic disease, GPCR biology, or orally delivered small-molecule therapeutics is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with MS Office, electronic data capture or registration systems, and scientific data visualization tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range:

  • Senior Scientist: $110,000 – $125,000 annually

  • Principal Scientist: $130,000 – $150,000 annually

• Eligible for an annual bonus based on company performance.

• Participation in Ambrosia Biosciences’ stock option plan.

• 401(k) plan with 4% company matching.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Ambrosia Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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