Who We Are: MapLight Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company that focuses on drug discovery for central nervous system disorders. We combine cutting-edge technologies including optogenetics, in vivo physiology, and spatial transcriptomics to identify novel drug targets and develop effective therapies to address psychiatric symptoms.

What You’ll Do: MapLight is looking for an experienced and creative Director, Non-Clinical Toxicology.  Reporting to the CSO this position will lead the safety strategy, from discovery through both nonclinical and clinical stages, and direct all phases of early investigative toxicology and in vivo non-GLP and GLP toxicology studies, in collaboration with project teams, CROs and consultants. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop the strategy of nonclinical development plan in collaboration with stakeholders 
• Propose and implement project-specific nonclinical toxicology study design (non-GLP and GLP), and ensure execution of toxicology studies to support company timelines and goals 
• As a study monitor, direct and oversee nonclinical toxicology studies including but not limited to genetic toxicology, safety pharmacology, general toxicology, and development and reproductive toxicology studies supporting nonclinical and clinical development programs 
• Oversee the selection and management of consultants and CROs 
• Manage nonclinical safety studies conducted by CROs with efficient governance including contract execution, authorization of study amendments, schedule and budget variance management, progress reporting to stakeholders, demonstrate the ability to interpret the data, review draft study reports, completion of contract milestones, study close-out and alignment of nonclinical safety evaluations with drug development efforts and priorities 
• Ensure compliance with global nonclinical toxicology studies as per regulatory guidelines 
• Prepare all nonclinical safety-relevant documents to support regulatory filing including IND, IND annual updates, IB, and DSUR, as well as briefing books for US, EU, Japan, and International regulatory meetings and filings 
• Respond with scientifically robust rationale to questions from US FDA, EU, Japan, and other health authorities in support of development programs 
• Collaborate with CMC, Program & Portfolio Management, Clinical, and Regulatory Affairs to develop program-specific strategies for appropriate data generation in support of development candidate nomination, IND filing, and clinical development of new small molecule drug entities 
• Represent Nonclinical Safety at cross-functional project teams 

Qualifications:

• PhD or DVM in Toxicology/Pathology with 10+ years of toxicology experience in the pharmaceutical industry or Master’s in Toxicology with 15+ years of experience 
• Experience in nonclinical GLP toxicology and safety assessment of Small Molecule Drugs from IND/CTA submission through various clinical development phases 
• Experience with NDA/MAA submission is plus 
• Demonstrate knowledge and full understanding of GLP regulatory requirements and providing responses to the FDA 
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills required with demonstrated success in leading projects and interacting with cross functional teams 
• Strong leadership competencies and management experience, including selecting CROs and overseeing the quality of relationships 
• Attention to detail quality and compliance 
• Ability to navigate, problem-solve, execute, and lead in a dynamic, fast-paced and evolving environment 

MapLight is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by la