Senior Research Associate, DMPK

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We are seeking a Senior Research Associate in the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic (DMPK) department. The qualified candidate will be a critical member of the group and work closely with our established team performing various in vitro metabolism assays, metabolite identification studies, and bioanalytical work to screen chemical entities for new drug candidates. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a core discovery group within a successful biopharmaceutical company and bring drugs from ideas to the clinic.

• Perform various in vitro metabolism studies to address specific DMPK questions in drug discovery
• Develop analytical methods using a mass spectrometer (LC‑MS/MS) to separate and detect small molecules and peptides
• Prepare and deliver scientific presentations and reports to communicate research results within and outside the DMPK department
• Influence discovery decisions and contribute significantly to corporate goals and project milestones
• Maintain a command of relevant scientific literature, research method sections of DMPK publications and evaluate implications for internal projects
• Assume responsibility for maintaining laboratory equipment, facilitate its use by other scientists, and maintain clear, detailed, and up-to-date experimental records
• Conduct other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or related field with at least five years of hands‑on, relevant DMPK lab experience working with a mass spectrometer (or master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry with at least two years of experience)
• Experience performing metabolic stability, CYP inhibition, and metabolite  in liver sub‑cellular fractions, preparing and analyzing samples from biological matrices using a mass spectrometer (LC‑MS/MS) as the primary analytical tool, and with sample preparation and bioanalysis of preclinical in vitro and in vivo ADME/PK studies
• Strong consideration will be given to candidates proficient in using and troubleshooting an LC‑MS/MS (Sciex instrumentation is a plus)
• Demonstrated technical proficiency, scientific creativity, problem‑solving ability, and capable of independently planning and executing experiments while proactively seeking out senior personnel to discuss potential solutions to problems
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential in this collaborative work environment
• Highly motivated and able to work in a fast‑paced environment with a desire to learn and tackle new challenges

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $110K and $120K / year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery through late‑stage development biopharmaceutical company. Two novel peptides, icotrokinra and rusfertide, derived from Protagonist's proprietary discovery platform are currently in advanced Phase 3 clinical development, with New Drug Application submissions to the FDA expected in 2025. Icotrokinra (JNJ‑2113) is a first‑in‑class investigational targeted oral peptide that selectively blocks the Interleukin‑23 receptor ("IL‑23R") which is licensed to Janssen Biotech, Inc.,

a Johnson & Johnson company. Following icotrokinra's joint discovery by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists pursuant to the companies' IL‑23R collaboration, Protagonist was primarily responsible for development of icotrokinra through Phase 1, with Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for development in Phase 2 and beyond. Rusfertide, a mimetic of the natural hormone hepcidin, is currently in Phase 3 development for the rare blood disorder polycythemia vera (PV).

Rusfertide is being co‑developed and will be co‑commercialized with Takeda Pharmaceuticals pursuant to a worldwide collaboration and license agreement entered into in 2024 under which the Company remains primarily responsible for development through NDA filing. The Company also has a number of pre‑clinical stage oral drug discovery programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets, including the IL‑17 oral peptide antagonist PN‑881, an oral hepcidin program, and an oral obesity program.