Principal Scientist, ADME/PK

Job description

What if cancer drugs could find the tumor – and go nowhere else? What if this meant you could get potent therapy directly to the tumor, sparing healthy cells? That’s the future we’re building at Shasqi, using Nobel Prize-winning science to unleash powerful therapies only where they’re needed. We’re a small, driven team encompassing broad backgrounds and experiences, united by a single mission: make cancer treatments more effective with minimal side effects. OUR OPERATING PRINCIPLES - We move fast because speed matters to cancer patients. - We aim to communicate openly and challenge ideas regardless of job title. - We are bold, take risks, and push boundaries being led by science. - We operate with humble confidence: meaning we can balance our sense of capability and conviction without ego, while being humble to seek advice and learn from our mistakes. If that fires you up, come build the future of cancer therapy with us! YOU’RE THE RIGHT FIT FOR SHASQI IF YOU.. - Are mission driven and eager to do the best work of your career, developing novel therapies that will transform cancer treatment. - Can balance scientific rigor with a fast-paced environment. - Are comfortable with ambiguity and making decisions in the face of uncertainty. - Operate with a strong sense of agency and invite feedback and advice. - Can challenge convention and think of creative solutions that meet the needs of the company. - Are a doer, hands-on, resourceful, and do not hesitate to step up. - Willing to collaborate, debate, commit to decisions clearly, and revisit when evidence demands it. POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Principal Scientist, ADME/PK to lead and contribute to pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and translational modeling efforts for a next-generation tumor targeting technology based on a click chemistry enabled pre-targeting. You will work at the interface of chemistry, biology, and translational sciences to design and interpret studies that contribute to therapeutic design, candidate selection, IND-enablement, and clinical strategy in a fast-paced startup environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES STRATEGY & LEADERSHIP - Define and execute ADME/PK strategies for pre-targeted therapeutics that consist of biologics and small molecules. - Lead PK/PD and biodistribution strategy to support platform validation and pipeline programs. - Partner cross-functionally with chemistry, protein engineering, bioanalytical, and pharmacology/toxicology teams to optimize delivery efficiency and exposure. - Serve as the subject matter expert on PK for pre-targeting systems and click chemistry-enabled therapeutics. PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT - Design, analyze, and interpret PK, biodistribution, and mass balance studies across components of the technology to guide therapeutic design, validation, and development. - Collaborate with bioanalytical assay development team to support assay development. MODELING & TRANSLATION - Build and apply PK/PD and mechanistic models to predict human dosing and scheduling. - Translate preclinical data into clinical hypotheses and first-in-human strategies. COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION - Work closely with CMC and analytical teams to ensure bioanalytical readiness. - Partner with toxicology and regulatory teams to support IND-enabling studies. - Present data and strategy to leadership, investors, and external collaborators. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineering, or related field. - 4+ years of industry experience in ADME/PK (biotech/pharma), including ADME/PK leadership on therapeutic programs. - Deep expertise in PK of biologics and/or targeted delivery systems (e.g., ADCs, radioconjugates, bispecifics). - Strong experience designing and interpreting in vivo PK and biodistribution studies. - Demonstrated experience with QSP and PK/PD modeling. - Experience with modeling tools (e.g., Phoenix WinNonlin, NONMEM, Monolix, MATLAB, or similar). PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience with pre-targeting approaches, multi-component therapeutics, or bioorthogonal chemistry systems. - Familiarity with click chemistry reactions (e.g., tetrazine–TCO) in biological systems. - Background in oncology, targeted therapeutics, or drug delivery platforms. - Experience with imaging-based biodistribution (e.g., PET/SPECT, fluorescence). - Knowledge of regulatory expectations for PK/ADME in IND filings. - Strong publication record and presentation skills. HOW WE WORK: - We are a remote-first company, with occasional travel for in-person team meetings or scientific conference attendance. - Core collaboration window: 9:00am–3:00pm Pacific Time. You are expected to be available during this time for meetings and real-time collaboration. - Async + sync balance: Outside of core hours, we work asynchronously, but timely communication and follow-through are expected. - Meetings: You should be comfortable joining video calls, sharing availability on calendar and actively participating during core hours. - You should be comfortable working across common tools including Zoom, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, and similar platforms. BENEFITS & ELIGIBILITY COMPENSATION AT SHASQI - Competitive base salary as part of a broader total rewards package. - Equity: Included as port of total compensations. - Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, short- and long-term disability. - Flexible PTO and a WFH stipend to support remote work. - Ongoing growth opportunities, professional development, and mentorship. SALARY RANGE - The anticipated base salary range for this role is $150K–$180K USD - Final compensation will depend on location, experience, skills, education, and internal equity. - Our ranges are intentionally broad to reflect market conditions and the specialized nature of our work. ELIGIBILITY - U.S.-based employees only. - Must be authorized to work in the United States. - We are not currently sponsoring visas. ABOUT SHASQI Shasqi is a biotech company advancing a new class of targeted cancer therapies, built on Nobel prize-winning technology called click chemistry. Backed by leading biotech investors, we are building a pipeline of first-in-class therapies that are designed to overcome the limitations of ADCs increasing efficacy and limiting toxicities. Our lead asset will be entering the clinic in early 2027. You can learn more about our company at www.shasqi.com http://www.shasqi.com PLEASE NOTE: At this time, Shasqi is not partnering with external recruiting agencies. We kindly ask that agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this role. Shasqi is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under applicable law.