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Principal/Senior Scientist, PK/PD Assays

NewLimit

South San Francisco, CAFull-time$155–200K/yrPosted 4mo agoVerified open 5 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$155–200K/yr
Location
South San Francisco, CA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Doctorate

Job overview

NewLimit is hiring a Principal/Senior Scientist, PK/PD Assays. NewLimit is seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist with expertise in molecular biology, pharmacokinetics, and translational biomarker assay development. This role involves leading the design, development, and qualification of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) assays to characterize mRNA-LNP medicines in preclinical and IND enabling studies. The scientist will also serve as a technical leader within the bioanalytical function, shaping biomarker assay strategy and partnering cross-functionally to advance therapeutic programs.

Key focus areas include Own the end-to-end design, development, and qualification of PK and PD biomarker assays, Discover and validate pharmacodynamic biomarkers to support clinical development, and Drive data analysis, interpretation, and reporting for bioanalytical studies.

Successful candidates bring PhD In Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Or Related Field Or Equivalent Industry Experience, 5+ Years Industry Experience, and 3+ Years Hands-On Quantitative Bioanalytical Assay Platforms Experience. Important skills include Molecular Biology, Pharmacokinetics, Translational Biomarker Assay Development, PK/PD Assay Design, PK/PD Assay Development, and PK/PD Assay Qualification. Preferred (not required): Bioanalytical Method Transfer, CRO Management, Preclinical Drug Development Timelines, and Regulatory Submissions.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Molecular BiologyPharmacokineticsTranslational Biomarker Assay DevelopmentPK/PD Assay DesignPK/PD Assay DevelopmentPK/PD Assay QualificationBioanalytical Function LeadershipBiomarker Assay StrategyCross-Functional PartnershipPharmacodynamic Biomarker DiscoveryPharmacodynamic Biomarker ValidationData AnalysisData InterpretationBioanalytical ReportingSample Processing WorkflowsTissue HarvestingPrimary Cell CultureComplex Matrix HandlingCoachingSOP EstablishmentBioanalytical Method QualificationBioanalytical Method ValidationICH M10 GuidelinesFit-for-Purpose FrameworksBioanalytical Project DeliveryRT-qPCRddPCRELISAMSDOlinkSOMAscanNGS-Based MethodsBioanalytical Method TransferCRO ManagementPreclinical Drug Development TimelinesRegulatory SubmissionsINDTGACTD FormatmRNA-LNP BiodistributionNucleic Acid-Based PK AssaysGene TherapyNucleic Acid TherapiesCell Therapy

Qualifications

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or Related Field or Equivalent Industry Experience5+ Years Industry Experience3+ Years Hands-on Quantitative Bioanalytical Assay Platforms ExperiencePrimary Cell Culture and Tissue-Derived Sample Workflows Experience

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Match
Parental Leave
Paid Time Off

Full job description

About NewLimit NewLimit is a biotechnology company working to radically extend human healthspan. We’re developing medicines to treat age-related diseases by reprogramming the epigenome, a new therapeutic mechanism to restore regenerative potential in aged and diseased cells. We leverage functional genomics, pooled perturbation screening, and machine learning models to unravel the biology of epigenetic aging and disease using experiments of unprecedented scale.

This Position NewLimit is seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist with deep expertise in molecular biology, pharmacokinetics and translational biomarker assay development. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and qualification of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) assays that characterize the biodistribution and biological activity of our mRNA-LNP medicines in preclinical and IND enabling studies. You will serve as a technical leader within our bioanalytical function, shaping biomarker assay strategy and partnering cross-functionally to advance our therapeutic programs toward IND-enabling milestones.

What you’ll do

  • Own the end-to-end design, development, and qualification of PK and PD biomarker assays across various platforms to support preclinical and IND-enabling studies

  • Discover and validate pharmacodynamic biomarkers to support the clinical development of drugs across multiple programs

  • Drive data analysis, interpretation, and reporting for bioanalytical studies to support program decision-making with audit-ready data packages

  • Contribute to sample processing workflows including tissue harvesting, primary cell culture, and complex matrix handling

  • Mentor research associates, establish SOPs, and build institutional knowledge within the bioanalytical function Requirements

  • PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field or equivalent industry experience (5+ years)

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in various quantitative bioanalytical assay platforms (e.g., RT-qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, MSD, Olink, SOMAscan, NGS-based methods) in complex biological matrices (serum, plasma, tissue homogenates)

  • Strong working knowledge of bioanalytical method qualification/validation principles for PK/PD biomarker measurements, including familiarity with ICH M10 guidelines and fit-for-purpose frameworks

  • History of delivering results for bioanalytical projects -- you've discovered a PD biomarker or built an assay and solved all the problems along the way

  • Experience with primary cell culture and tissue-derived sample workflows Nice to have

  • Track record of bioanalytical method transfer and CRO management for outsourced projects

  • Familiarity with preclinical drug development timelines and regulatory submissions (IND, TGA, CTD format)

  • Experience with mRNA-LNP biodistribution or nucleic acid–based PK assays

  • Experience developing products in emerging therapeutic modalities (gene therapy, nucleic acid therapies, cell therapy) Benefits NewLimit provides generous benefits so our team can remain focused on our mission:

  • Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

  • 401(k) plan with company match

  • Paid parental leave

  • Industry-leading PTO: 20 days per year plus holidays

  • On-site meals and snacks Salary Range: $155,000 to $200,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. NewLimit offers a competitive benefits package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, and 20 days of PTO. Learn more at: https://www.newlimit.com/careers *This compensation and benefits information is based on Company's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

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