Senior Director of DMPK in Cardiff

Ailux is an innovative biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing next-generation biologic and peptide therapeutics for chronic respiratory and immunological diseases with high unmet medical need. The company integrates advanced computational approaches with rigorous experimental and translational science across the drug discovery continuum, enabling faster and more informed decision-making from target identification through clinical candidate selection.

As an AI-native biotech and wholly owned subsidiary of XtalPi, Ailux combines proprietary computational models with state-of-the-art wet lab capabilities to design differentiated therapeutics against challenging biological targets. The company has established strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical organisations, providing external validation of its scientific platform and discovery capabilities. Looking ahead, Ailux’s vision is to build a fully integrated, end-to-end drug discovery and development organisation capable of delivering the next generation of medicines for patients with chronic respiratory and immunological diseases.

By combining advanced AI capabilities with deep biological, translational and clinical insight, the company aims to accelerate the development of differentiated therapeutics with meaningful impact for patients worldwide. Backed by an experienced leadership team, leading scientific advisors and a highly multidisciplinary organisation, Ailux is approaching a key inflection point as its first wave of therapeutic programmes advances toward clinical development.

This is an opportunity to help shape the scientific foundations, pipeline and culture of a rapidly growing biotechnology company operating at the intersection of AI, translational science and next-generation therapeutics.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of DMPK to establish and lead Ailux’s Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics capability. Reporting to the VP, Head of In Vivo Bioscience, the role will lead translational and quantitative pharmacology strategies across Ailux’s respiratory and immunology pipeline, enabling rapid, data-driven progression from discovery through early clinical development for novel biologics, bispecifics and peptide therapeutics.

Working at the interface of computational design, translational biology and preclinical development, you will ensure DMPK considerations are embedded early and translated into clear programme recommendations from hit identification through clinical entry. The role offers the opportunity to shape translational strategy and quantitative decision-making across a next-generation respiratory and immunology pipeline spanning biologics, multi-specifics and peptide therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead Ailux’s DMPK and translational pharmacology capability, defining scientific strategy, operating model, external partnerships and long-term functional vision.
• Recruit, develop and inspire a high-performing, multidisciplinary team spanning in vitro, in vivo, computational and translational DMPK sciences.
• Provide clear, data-driven and risk-balanced recommendations to influence candidate selection, optimisation and clinical progression decisions.

Scientific Excellence

• Design, oversee and interpret DMPK and translational PK/PD studies supporting discovery through IND-enabling development.
• Develop integrated quantitative pharmacology strategies combining internal and published datasets to support human dose prediction, exposure–response understanding, target engagement and therapeutic index optimisation.
• Lead modelling and simulation activities (including PK/PD, PBPK and translational modelling) to inform first-in-human dose selection, regimen optimisation and clinical study design.
• Define DMPK and bioanalytical strategies for complex therapeutic modalities including engineered biologics, multi-specific antibodies, peptides and long-acting delivery approaches.
• Ensure DMPK considerations are embedded early within discovery programmes to enable rapid, data-driven decision-making across the portfolio.

AI and Platform Integration

• Partner with computational scientists to generate high-quality translational datasets that refine predictive models and improve decision-making across discovery programmes.
• Apply rigorous scientific judgement to ensure computational outputs are biologically and translationally meaningful.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with biology, chemistry, translational and CMC colleagues to align on integrated programme plans and key risks.
• Provide DMPK leadership input to regulatory strategy and documentation (e.g., IND/CTA packages, briefing books and responses).
• Select, manage and oversee external partners/CROs, ensuring scientific quality, timelines and budget alignment.
• Work closely with clinical pharmacology, translational medicine and regulatory colleagues to support successful transition into early clinical development.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Significant industry experience in DMPK/ADME with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated track record of enabling candidate progression into clinical development, including clear decision-making at key milestones.

Technical Expertise

• Deep expertise in ADME, PK/PD, modelling and simulation approaches (including PBPK and translational modelling), with demonstrated experience integrating internal and published datasets to support human dose prediction, candidate progression, and clinical translation.
• Experience supporting complex modalities including multi-specific antibodies, engineered biologics, peptides and long-acting delivery approaches, with understanding of TMDD, immunogenicity risk, and translational PK challenges.
• Working knowledge of translational science, biomarkers and exposure–response strategies.

Leadership Experience

• Demonstrated ability to influence portfolio strategy and decision-making within highly matrixed, multidisciplinary environments.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced and evolving biotech environment with high levels of scientific ownership and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-impact teams.

Interest in AI-driven drug discovery and data-centric approaches.