---
title: 'Associate Director, Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics at Atrium Therapeutics'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics-atrium-therapeutics-san-z6ntekbtegta'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-06'
---

# Associate Director, Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics at Atrium Therapeutics

- **Company:** Atrium Therapeutics
- **Location:** San Diego, CA
- **Compensation:** $185k–$205k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** remote
- **Posted:** 2026-10-30
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-06
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/atrium-therapeutics/df1b3a1c-695e-45e5-8d23-31b6ed64315d

## Job description

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies. Our proprietary technology leverages the targeted RNA delivery platform initially designed at Avidity, which combines the tissue selectivity of mAbs and other targeted delivery ligands with the precision of oligonucleotides.

This unique combination is designed to allow selective targeting of the underlying genetic drivers of disease that were previously undruggable. Through targeted, non-viral delivery of siRNA to cardiac tissues, our approach has the potential to overcome key limitations of nonspecific viral and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, including challenges related to tissue specificity, immunogenicity, and redosing.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics function (PKPD) at Atrium Therapeutics to advance research and development programs in genetic cardiomyopathy. This is a highly visible role within Research and Development within Development Sciences Department. The Associate Director will be accountable for PKPD strategy and execution across the research and development programs of antibody oligonucleotide conjugates, inclusive of bioanalytical sciences. The ideal candidate will apply strong scientific understanding of PKPD principles to biologic and/or oligonucleotide therapeutics to enable sound judgment to expeditiously advance the pipeline. We are seeking a strategic thinker with the desire to be a hands-on leader of a team of PKPD scientists. Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience

Job Responsibilities:

- Support all aspects of PKPD across programs from research into late-phase clinical development, including design, oversight, and interpretation of nonclinical and clinical PK, TK, and tissue distribution studies; apply PKPD principles to relate exposure to target engagement and PD biomarkers, inform dose selection, and support first-in-human dose rationale; assess immunogenicity impact on PK where relevant
- Set phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategy and oversee development of GLP-compliant PK and ADA assays in plasma and tissue matrices; oversee CRO management including RFP, SOWs, budget, timeline and sample logistics
- Represent PKPD on project and study teams; accountable for communicating PKPD strategy, data interpretation and supporting regulatory documents, including IND/CTA, briefing book, protocol, CSR.
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of PhD and non-PhD scientists; set priorities, support career development, and build a collaborative, high-performing culture

Education and Experience Requirements:

- PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field
- 8+ years of biopharma/biotech experience in nonclinical and clinical PKPD and regulated bioanalysis, including a proven record of advancing programs from research into development; authoring/supporting IND submissions, and participating in regulatory interactions; oligonucleotide (siRNA, ASO) and/or large-molecule experience preferred
- Hands-on design and interpretation of nonclinical and clinical PK studies, including NCA ; strong understanding of PKPD principles
- Working knowledge of regulated bioanalysis (ICH M10, GLP/GCP) and experience overseeing PK and ADA assay development and sample analysis at CROs
- Prior experience managing and developing scientific staff at multiple levels, including PhD and non-PhD scientists; demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and communicate complex data clearly to project teams and leadership
- Thrives in a small-company environment, comfortable with ambiguity, takes initiative, and a hands-on problem-solver

What We Provide:

- The base salary range for this role is $185,000-$205,000. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
- Atrium offers competitive compensation and benefits which include stock options & RSUs, as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, LTD, and unlimited of time off including summer & winter breaks.
- A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Atrium employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.

## About Atrium Therapeutics

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Atrium Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the delivery of RNA therapeutics directly to the heart muscle to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies.
- **Entity Type**: Private (startup stage, not yet publicly traded; no funding rounds publicly disclosed)
- **Headquarters**: San Diego, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2026
- **Founders**: Not explicitly listed; the company was formed by a team of former executives from Avidity Biosciences and other biotech firms, led by CEO Kathleen Gallagher.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Biotechnology – RNA therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases (precision cardiology).
- **Target customers**: Patients with rare cardiomyopathies (PLN cardiomyopathy, PRKAG2 syndrome), healthcare providers, and payers (B2B/B2C through drug development and eventual commercialization).
- **Mission statement**: “Pioneer the delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies.”

## Products & Services
- **ATR 1072**: Development candidate for PRKAG2 syndrome (rare cardiomyopathy). Preclinical/early clinical stage.
- **ATR 1086**: Development candidate for PLN (phospholamban) cardiomyopathy. Preclinical/early clinical stage.
- **Undisclosed pipeline**: Two additional research-stage targets in rare cardiomyopathies.
- **Technology Platform**: Proprietary RNA delivery platform based on the clinically validated AOC (Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugate) technology, originally designed at Avidity Biosciences. Combines the tissue selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotides to deliver siRNA directly to cardiac tissue, overcoming challenges with immunogenicity, cytotoxicity, and redosing limitations.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company; no public funding rounds reported).
- **Key Metric**: Headcount of 41 employees (as of mid-2026), with 5.7% monthly growth; 28 employees recruited from Avidity Biosciences.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: No specific investors or partnerships disclosed publicly. The company’s “Investors” page is a placeholder.
- **Growth Signals**: Founded in 2026; rapid team building with deep expertise from Avidity, Ionis, Biogen, etc.; two lead candidates in development for high‑unmet‑need cardiomyopathies; 4,200+ LinkedIn followers with +4.2% monthly growth.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Proprietary cardiac RNA delivery platform** that targets heart muscle with high specificity – a key differentiator from viral and nanoparticle delivery systems.
- **Clinically validated technology** originally developed at Avidity Biosciences, reducing technical risk.
- **Focus on underserved rare cardiomyopathies** with no approved therapies (PLN, PRKAG2), offering potential for rapid regulatory pathways (orphan drug designation).
- **Experienced leadership team** with track record in RNA therapeutics, rare disease drug development, and commercialization (Akcea, Ionis, Biogen, Avidity).

## Strategic Focus
- **Advance two lead candidates** (ATR 1072, ATR 1086) through preclinical and into clinical trials.
- **Expand the pipeline** with additional undisclosed targets in rare cardiomyopathies.
- **Build out the organization**, particularly in translational medicine, process development, and quality assurance (as evidenced by current job postings).
- **Leverage the AOC platform** to potentially address broader cardiac indications beyond the initial rare disease focus.

## Why Work Here
- **Cutting‑edge science**: Opportunity to work on a novel RNA delivery platform with the potential to transform cardiology.
- **Small, agile team** (~41 employees) allows for high impact and visibility across functions.
- **Founding team from Avidity Biosciences** brings deep domain expertise and a proven track record in RNA therapeutics.
- **Location**: Onsite roles in San Diego, California (Science Center Drive), a major biotech hub.
- **Current open roles** include:
  - Scientist II, Translational Medicine (San Diego, onsite)
  - Senior Director, AOC Process Development & Manufacturing – Oligonucleotide (San Diego)
  - Senior Director, Head of Quality Assurance (San Diego)
  - Manager, Accounting (from LinkedIn)
- **Culture**: The company’s website emphasizes a commitment to patients with high unmet need, a collaborative environment, and a passion for precision medicine.
- **Perks**: Not explicitly stated, but typical biotech early‑stage includes equity, competitive compensation, and the chance to shape a young company’s culture.

## Sources
1. [Atrium Therapeutics - Homepage](https://atriumtherapeutics.com/)
2. [Atrium Therapeutics - About Page](https://atriumtherapeutics.com/about/)
3. [Atrium Therapeutics - Investors Page](https://investors.atriumtherapeutics.com/overview)
4. [Atrium Therapeutics - Careers Page](https://atriumtherapeutics.com/careers/)
5. [LinkedIn - Atrium Therapeutics](https://www.linkedin.com/company/atrium-therapeutics)

## Other roles at Atrium Therapeutics

- [Senior Clinical Scientist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-clinical-scientist-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-3rmkyxsnr87k) — San Diego, CA
- [Senior Clinical Trial Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-clinical-trial-manager-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-qanrknbqna2s) — San Diego, CA
- [Senior Director, Program Management](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-program-management-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-fmxpmsrpbsr3) — San Diego, CA
- [Postdoctoral Scientist, In Vitro Cardiac Functional Biology (2yr Contract)](https://feeny.ai/job/postdoctoral-scientist-in-vitro-cardiac-functional-biology-2yr-contract-atrium-qva9rdsxgmea) — San Diego, CA
- [Associate Director, Clinical Supply Chain & Logistics](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-clinical-supply-chain-logistics-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-31w7rn8e081j) — San Diego, CA