Explore high-impact Scientific Associate Director - Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism jobs, a pivotal senior leadership role at the intersection of non-clinical research and clinical development. Professionals in this career are essential for guiding new therapeutic candidates from discovery through to regulatory approval and beyond. They provide the critical pharmacokinetic (PK) and drug metabolism (DM) insights that determine how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted (ADME) within the body, directly informing safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing regimens. A Scientific Associate Director typically leads a team of scientists and serves as the strategic and technical authority within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract research organization. Common responsibilities include designing, overseeing, and interpreting complex non-clinical and clinical PK/PD (pharmacodynamics) studies. They are accountable for developing and validating bioanalytical methods, modeling PK data, and predicting human dose projections. A core function is authoring and reviewing comprehensive PK/DM sections for regulatory documents such as INDs, CTAs, NDAs, and BLAs, ensuring all data meets stringent global regulatory standards. They also play a key collaborative role, interfacing with toxicology, clinical pharmacology, formulation, and research teams to advance pipeline programs. Typical requirements for these senior-level jobs include an advanced degree (Ph.D., Pharm.D., or equivalent) in pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, or a related discipline, coupled with substantial industry experience. Candidates must possess deep expertise in state-of-the-art bioanalytical techniques, modeling software (e.g., WinNonlin, NONMEM), and a thorough understanding of global regulatory guidelines. Beyond technical mastery, successful Associate Directors demonstrate strong leadership, project management, and communication skills to mentor staff, manage cross-functional collaborations, and present complex data to internal and external stakeholders. For scientists seeking to shape the future of medicine by ensuring drugs are both effective and safe, Scientific Associate Director roles in Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism represent the pinnacle of strategic scientific leadership. Discover your next career-defining opportunity in this vital field by exploring available jobs today.
