Principal Scientist, ADME​/PK

About The Role

Principal Scientist, ADME/PK will play a pivotal role in the Analytical Sciences group managing the day-to-day ADME lab operations and supporting Valo’s internal small molecule drug discovery programs focused on cardiovascular indications. Provide domain expertise representation to guide the multidisciplinary project teams and interpretation of ADME/PK results to propose/action next experimental steps. The position will require supervision of junior scientists’ work and a hands‑on approach to managing assay schedules that provide the most pertinent ADME results in a cycle time that enables rapid evaluation of chemistry SAR.

Oversee new technology initiatives and ADMET capabilities to support the needs of the growing portfolio and maintain high levels of data integrity.

• Work closely with a team of experienced drug hunters to create novel, differentiated drug candidates, by providing strategic guidance and execution associated with in vitro and in vivo profiling.
• Manage Valo’s internal high throughput & definitive ADME assay platform to support the small molecule preclinical pipeline (i.e., metabolic stability, drug permeability, drug‑drug interaction, protein binding & solubility studies).
• Identify, qualify, engage, and manage external providers of in vitro ADME and in vivo PK services; analyze and interpret resulting data.
• Supervise and close mentorship/training of junior colleagues in the Analytical Sciences team.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operation and maintenance of analytical technologies including tandem mass spec instrumentional and liquid handling automation.
• Take the lead in establishing the best experimental ADME workflow practices to maintain a high level of data integrity and traceability.
• Implementation of new emerging technologies/innovations/assays to advance discovery capabilities and operational efficiencies.
• Partner closely with a team of AI/ML and data scientists to develop and implement a comprehensive and robust platform for in silico prediction of complex ADME/PK properties.
• Recruit and train a versatile team to support growing portfolio needs.

• Broad ADME experience and expertise spanning target assessment to later stage drug development, with an awareness of regulatory guidance and industry trends.
• Well versed in the contemporary application of ADME assay automation, comprehensive workflow integration and data practices with LIMS/ELN software platforms.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in the design, qualification, and implementation of novel ADMET and physicochemical assays.
• Leading‑edge mindset in relation to current experimental and computational ADME/PK approaches and techniques. Modeling and simulation expertise a plus (PBPK and QSP)
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence in a dynamic and matrixed environment.
• High‑performing team mentality, able to lead, follow, and contribute based on the needs of the team and situation.
• Success building and managing ADME‑related specialties, with a continuous improvement mindset. Previous experience building and managing an ADME lab‑based team a plus.
• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline and 8+ years of drug discovery experience or BS/MS and 15+ years