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Toxicologic Pathologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Toxicologic Pathologist information

What is a toxicologic pathologist?

A Toxicologic Pathologist evaluates the effects of chemicals, drugs, and other substances on biological systems, primarily through the microscopic examination of tissues. They play a key role in preclinical drug development, environmental safety assessments, and regulatory toxicology by identifying potential toxic effects and determining their relevance to human and animal health. Their expertise is critical in guiding safety decisions for pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and consumer products.

What types of projects or studies does a toxicologic pathologist typically work on, and how do they contribute to the broader research and development process?

Toxicologic Pathologists often work on preclinical studies assessing the safety of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or medical devices by evaluating tissue samples from laboratory animals exposed to test substances. They play a key role in identifying potential toxic effects, documenting pathological changes, and interpreting how findings relate to human health risk. This work is highly collaborative, involving frequent interaction with toxicologists, pharmacologists, and regulatory teams to provide critical data for safety assessments and regulatory submissions. Their expertise directly impacts decisions about product safety and the advancement of new therapies or chemicals to clinical trials or market approval.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a toxicologic pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Toxicologic Pathologist, you need an in-depth understanding of pathology, toxicology, and biomedical sciences, usually demonstrated by an M.D. or D.V.M. degree with additional specialization in toxicologic pathology. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), digital pathology tools, and appropriate board certification (such as from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or the International Academy of Toxicologic Pathology) is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication are valued soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate interpretation of tissue samples, effective collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams, and compliance with regulatory standards in safety assessments.

Infographic showing various Toxicologic Pathologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Director/Senior Director, Preclinical Pharmacology/Toxicology

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$205K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

Viking Therapeutics is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director or Senior Director, Preclinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, to support the advancement of innovative therapies for metabolic disease and obesity. The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, execution, interpretation, and strategic integration of preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies supporting peptide and small-molecule drug candidates from discovery through IND and early clinical development. This individual will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including DMPK, CMC, Clinical Pharmacology, Regulatory, and external CRO partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The main responsibilities of this role include:


Lead nonclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and toxicology strategies for obesity and metabolic disease programs.

Design, monitor, and interpret GLP and non-GLP toxicology studies, safety pharmacology studies, exploratory mechanistic studies, and juvenile and reproductive toxicology programs, as applicable.

Serve as the scientific lead for CRO interactions, study oversight, and data review.

Integrate pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, toxicokinetic, pathology, and biomarker data to support lead selection, optimization, and development decisions.

Contribute to INDs, Investigator's Brochures, briefing books, NDAs, and other regulatory submissions.

Collaborate with clinical and translational teams to support dose selection and risk assessment.

Evaluate emerging literature and the competitive landscape in obesity and metabolic disease therapeutics.

Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building scientific capabilities across the organization.

Support strategic planning for combination and next-generation metabolic therapies.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience 

PhD, DVM, PharmD, or equivalent degree in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Physiology, or a related discipline.

10+ years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.

Preferred expertise in metabolic disease pharmacology, obesity therapeutics, GLP-compliant toxicology, and translational science.

Experience supporting IND-enabling programs.

Familiarity with ICH nonclinical guidelines and other regulatory guidance related to nonclinical development.

Understanding of peptide therapeutics and small-molecule drug development.


Knowledge and Skills 

Experience with GLP-1/GIP/amylin or related metabolic pathways, combination therapies, acute and chronic toxicology programs, and DMPK/TK interpretation.

Prior interactions with FDA and global regulatory agencies.

Experience managing external CRO networks and budgets.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment while managing multiple concurrent programs.

Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a dynamic environment.

Team Player with excellent written and verbal communication skills.


VIKING THERAPEUTICS

Viking Therapeutics, Inc., is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Viking Therapeutics also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.


Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Viking employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, and assignment of specific position, will become the sole property of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.



Salary Description

$205,000.00 - $220,000.00 annual salary