Director, In vivo Pharmacology

Engitix Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company dedicated to unlocking extracellular matrix biology to develop transformative therapeutics in fibrosis and oncology. We are seeking an accomplished Director of In vivo Pharmacology to lead the in vivo strategy across the internal drug discovery portfolio and a small in vivo team of scientists running models of oncology and fibrosis.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of driving in vivo strategy across a portfolio, developing partnership with CRO's, leading in vivo teams and advancing programs from target validation to IND submission, ideally in areas such as solid tumours, inflammation and fibrosis.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and oversee robust in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology strategies using relevant preclinical models of solid tumours, inflammation and fibrosis, and to support target validation, efficacy profiling, and translational alignment; including establishment of a new internal in vivo capability. Experience of antibody drug conjugates (ADC) would be highly beneficial.
• Lead cross-functional discovery teams, including scientists and functional leads across in vivo pharmacology utilising both internal and external capability and partners.
• Serve as a key contributor to program pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experimental design and evaluation across both low molecular weight and biologics programs.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with internal teams (e.g., biology, translational science) and external CROs and academic partners to enable rapid progression of programs.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of preclinical regulatory documents, including IND submissions, pre-IND briefing packages, and investigator brochures.
• Support strategic evaluation of new targets and therapeutic opportunities, including contributions to target validation strategies in alignment with corporate priorities.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of program milestones.
• Serve as a senior scientific leader within Engitix, contributing to portfolio strategy and mentoring scientific talent across the organization.

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Immunology, Oncology, Cell Biology, or related field with 8+ years of experience in drug discovery and preclinical development within biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Deep expertise in preclinical pharmacology, including hands-on knowledge of relevant in vivo models of oncology and fibrosis. Experience of running an in vivo group under 3R's UK Home office framework would be advantageous.
• Comprehensive understanding of IND-enabling studies, including pharmacology, and PK/PD.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional discovery teams with strong organizational and decision-making skills.
• Successful track record of working with and managing external partners, including CROs and academic collaborators.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across scientific and executive teams.
• Should be a UK personal license holder (or equivalent Felasa).

• Be part of a pioneering biotech transforming drug discovery through ECM biology.
• Contribute to the development of novel therapies for cancer and fibrosis using cutting-edge human-relevant models.
• Work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment with opportunities to shape the future of targeted therapeutics.
• We offer a competitive package including private medical insurance, pension, bonus, and more.

Engitix is a growing biotech company based in White City Place, West London. We are dedicated to developing better therapies for advanced fibrosis and solid tumours by leveraging our pioneering extracellular matrix (ECM) platform. Our platform allows the synthesis of realistic in vitro 3D models that serve as tools to transform our ability to identify new targets and biomarkers, determine mechanisms of action and more accurately predict the efficacy of therapeutic candidates.

Join us today in our mission to create a healthier future for patients with life-threatening diseases such as fibrosis and cancer.