Director of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Lab Head) | East Bay Biotech

Pleasanton, CA (Onsite | East Bay)

PKx Bio is building next-generation drug formulation technology—and we’re looking for a Director of Pharmaceutical Sciences to lead our lab and drive execution across formulation and product development.

This is a hands‑on leadership role (player‑coach) responsible for advancing formulation programs, generating high-quality data, and building a focused, high‑performing team. Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, you’ll operate at both the bench and program level—setting experimental direction, solving technical challenges, and ensuring strong execution across multiple work streams.

You’ll also partner closely with Data Science to help shape an AI‑forward lab environment, integrating computational insights into experimental decision‑making.

• Lead formulation and pharmaceutical sciences activities across multiple programs, ensuring high-quality, timely data generation.
• Set experimental direction across preformulation and formulation (solubility, salt forms, dissolution, stability, physicochemical characterization).
• Operate as a hands‑on scientific leader across experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Build and develop a team of ~3–5 scientists and research associates.
• Translate program goals into structured experimental plans with clear milestones and decision criteria.
• Generate data packages that inform feasibility, development decisions, and partner discussions.
• Partner with Data Science to incorporate AI and computational tools into workflows.
• Enable external partners to apply the Solusalt platform through clear, reproducible approaches while protecting proprietary know‑how.
• Serve as a technical lead in partner interactions, including feasibility discussions and development planning.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with analytical, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, and quality teams.
• Oversee CRO/CDMO work streams to ensure quality and execution.
• Establish efficient lab operations, workflows, and data standards.

• PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 10–15+ years in pharmaceutical sciences or small molecule drug development.
• Proven experience leading lab‑based teams and driving scientific execution.
• Strong foundation in formulation and preformulation (solubility, salt forms, dissolution, stability).
• Ability to design experiments and translate data into clear development decisions.
• Experience advancing early‑stage work into reproducible, development‑ready approaches.
• Track record of effective cross‑functional and external collaboration.
• Comfort working in data‑driven environments and alongside data science teams.

• Experience with solubility‑enabling approaches (e.g., amorphous systems, cyclodextrins, salt forms).
• Familiarity with reformulation or 505(b)(2) strategies.
• Experience with platform technologies in partner‑facing environments.
• Exposure to early CMC, scale‑up, or process robustness.
• Experience incorporating AI/ML approaches in R&D.
• Experience managing CRO/CDMO relationships.
• Background in a startup or emerging biotech environment.

• Build a focused, high‑performing pharmaceutical sciences lab.
• Deliver consistent, high-quality data that drives program and partner decisions.
• Develop a cohesive team operating with speed and rigor.
• Establish strong collaboration with Data Science for AI‑informed workflows.
• Enable external partners to effectively evaluate and apply Solusalt.
• Improve overall efficiency, clarity, and reliability of lab execution.

PKx Bio is advancing a novel drug formulation platform designed to overcome key limitations in drug performance and enable differentiated therapies. This is an opportunity to lead platform‑driven innovation and translate science into real‑world impact.

PKx Bio is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations as needed.

Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and location. Details will be shared during the hiring process.