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Ardea Biosciences is focused on the discovery and development of small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of viral diseases, cancer and inflammatory diseases. The extensive resources and talents of an integrated research & development organization, coupled with an experienced management team with a track record of pharmaceutical product registrations, positions Ardea for future success.

Ardea Biosciences’ success is dependent on our ability to recruit and retain highly qualified and motivated people in all areas of the Company.

In March of 2008 we relocated our corporate headquarters and state-of-the-art research laboratories from Carlsbad and Costa Mesa, California, respectively, to the Sorrento Valley area of San Diego, California, central to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.

Ardea Biosciences demands the best from our employees and rewards them accordingly with an excellent comprehensive benefits plan.

Beyond our benefits package, stock options and the wonderful quality of life in California, we offer the opportunity to be part of an experienced team of scientists and professionals who want to revolutionize drug discovery, research and development.

For additional information please contact us at careers@ardeabio.com

Current Career Opportunities

Please click on the job of interest below to review a detailed description.

Director, Clinical Pharmacology
Director/Manager, Finance
Scientist, Bioanalytical (level open)
Senior Quality Specialist GXP
Senior/Principal Scientist, Drug Metabolism
Senior Scientist, Discovery Biology
Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
Scientist, Virology
Associate Director, Bioanalytical

Detailed Descriptions

Director, Clinical Pharmacology

Overall Summary

This position is responsible for devising and directing Early Development and Clinical Pharmacology strategies and plans for all IND-track and development compounds. Manages all aspects including scientific development and design, implementation, analysis and reporting of early and late stage clinical programs. Represents Clinical Pharmacology at strategy, development project teams, and domestic and international external meetings. Responsible for preparing clinical pharmacology reports and compiling clinical pharmacology sections of regulatory submissions.

Responsibilities

Leads design, preparation and execution of Clinical Pharmacology program to meet corporate, scientific and regulatory needs.
Integrates drug metabolism, biopharmaceutics and toxicology data to design clinical pharmacology plan for small molecule drugs, including, for example, Phase 1 first in human studies, drug interaction studies and studies in special populations.
Effectively communicates the Clinical Pharmacology plans and results of Clinical Pharmacology studies to management and health authorities as appropriate.
Working with corporate PR, ensures that corporate initiatives and messages relating to Clinical Pharmacology are well supported through publication strategies and through manuscript publications and presentations at global meetings;
Champions the Clinical Pharmacology initiatives at clinical investigator meetings, advisory meetings and various scientific forums.
Serves as a primary source of scientific support for the design, analysis, reporting, and presentation of sophisticated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling and simulation initiatives, including population pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses.
Maintains knowledge of Good Clinical Practice and SOPs related to clinical study conduct.
Collaborates with Preclinical Development, Regulatory, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and represents the Clinical Pharmacology function on the integrated project teams. Specific duties include analysis, interpretation and reporting of PK/PD data and results, including PK modeling, and their impact on development and use of clinical use drugs.
Other duties as may be necessary.

Preferred Requirements

PhD or PharmD preferred.
10+ years of drug development pharmaceutical/biotechnology experience with 5+ years of work experience in Clinical Pharmacology or related fields.
Experience or training with a range of skills including pharmacokinetic analysis and pharmacokinetic software, statistical analysis and software and modeling and simulation software.
Experience in antiviral, oncology and inflammatory disease therapeutic areas desirable.
Experience within a team environment, have strong presentation skills, collaborative skills, negotiation skills and demonstrate self-motivation.
Proficiency in strategizing, planning, monitoring and problem solving.
Adept at outsourcing and managing contract organizations and physician investigators.
Experience in being a Study Director contributing to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of clinical protocol design, writing, data interpretation, review and reporting of results
for multiple studies of different types for multiple projects is required.
Ability to manage multiple and diverse issues.
Excellent computer skills in the following programs: MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Project.
Ability to “roll up your sleeves” and individually contribute results to a research and development effort.
Experience writing technical and management documents, reports and presentations.

We are located in the Sorrento Valley area of San Diego, central to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Ardea Biosciences is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel treatments for HIV, cancer and inflammatory diseases. We’re a passionate, results-oriented organization. We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
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Director/Manager, Finance

Summary

The Director/Manager, Finance will be responsible for fulfilling the Company’s external reporting responsibilities including preparation of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings (including periodic 10-Qs, 10-Ks, 8-Ks), registration statements and offering circulars, technical accounting analysis and the development and maintenance of critical accounting policies. Additionally, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining a strong base for financial planning and analysis, including development of FP&A procedures and processes and maintenance of accurate and well documented financial plans and forecasts, provide a strong link between management's publicly announced expectations and guidance and the internal planning and follow-up mechanisms. Implement forecasting policies and procedures and recommend/implement necessary actions to carefully monitor and explain deviations to plans and forecasts on a functional basis. The Director/Manager, Finance is expected to be a key contributor in various projects as required by Senior Management.

Responsibilities

Takes ownership for the preparation of all external reported-related activities which include 10-Q’s and 10-K’s, periodic registration statements and offering circulars.
Independently analyzes and evaluates accounting issues and financial transactions for compliance with applicable accounting rules and SEC regulations and assists with the implementation of new accounting pronouncements and/or interpretations.
Leads the annual planning process and actively participates with the Company’s strategic planning team.
Performs monthly analysis of financials (project analysis, expense analysis, capital expenditures, cash flow) and analysis of variances to budget and forecast.
Provides periodic updates of financial forecasts including cash flow and burn rate for rolling twelve months.
Manages special projects and unique analyses related to acquisitions, business development, financing transactions and other corporate-level initiatives.
Interfaces with corporate accounting team members in evaluating accounting issues and information related to periodic financial closings. Participates in account-level preparation and/or review for areas of greater complexity. Makes recommendations for continuous process improvements to maximize efficiency in financial reporting and operations.
Assists with special projects as needed.
Carries out job responsibilities and assignments safely and maintains a clean and safe work area.
Other duties as may be necessary.

Preferred Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or other related field.
CPA, MBA desired.
Minimum of five years experience with Big 4 accounting experience and or combination of SEC reporting responsibilities.
Financial planning and analysis.
Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology industries preferred.
Strong SEC reporting knowledge and Sarbanes-Oxley experience.
Strong GAAP knowledge.
Strong analytical skills.
Ability to exercise independent discretion on matters of significance.
Self-motivated, able to work within a team and independently.
Leadership and drive in financial planning and analysis.
Ability to build trust with all functional units.
Strategic insight and input.
Excellent and demonstrated skills in computer applications. Must have expert knowledge in accounting software, and Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel; database or document management experience is a plus.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize amongst a variety of responsibilities, set expectations and provide deliverables as expected.
Must have ability to listen, communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) and to interact with all levels within the organization. Excellent reasoning, interpersonal and organizational skills, and superior attention to detail.
High attention to detail, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and team environment.

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
To return to the top click here.

Scientist, Bioanalytical (level open)

Summary

Perform bioanalytical LC/MS/MS method development, validation and sample analysis to quantify drugs and metabolites in biological matrices under GLP and non-GLP guidelines.Responsibilities

Bioanalytical method development, validation and sample analysis to quantify drugs and metabolites in biological matrices under GLP and non-GLP guidelines.
Maintain and operate API4000 and API5000 LC/MS/MS instruments and other analytical instrumentation according to SOPs.
Execute techniques in sample purification, isolation and automation.
Maintain research records and lab notebooks in a concise, legible and complete manner.
Carry out job responsibilities and assignments safely and maintain a clean and safe work area.
Other duties as may be necessary.

Preferred Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.S.), or Master’s degree (M.S.) in relevant area of Chemistry or other related disciplines.
Knowledge of organic chemistry, chromatographic separations, mass spectrometry, sample extraction techniques, and GLP guidelines.
At least one year of CRO or industrial hands-on experience in bioanalytical method development, validation and sample analysis.
Experience in Sciex LC-MS/MS (API 4000, API 5000)
Strong communication skills.

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
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Senior Quality Specialist GXP

Summary

The successful candidate will assure cGXP compliance with applicable regulatory requirements including audits, training programs and documentation review.Responsibilities

Represents and interfaces with multiple departments to provide Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices guidance in an effective manner.
Reviews production batch records and associated data for product release; determines if records are within range of cGMP regulations.
Develops, revise, and reviews GXP Standard Operating Procedures.
Performs internal GXP audits and or assists in the coordination of audits from outside parties.
Addresses, resolves and mediates corrective actions in GXP audit findings and prepares written reports as necessary; ensures training of internal staff as appropriate.
Conduct vendor qualification audits for Contract Manufacturing and Research Organizations.
Trouble-shoots and takes the initiative on any QA-related issue for GXP compliance.
Ensures completeness and accuracy of information contained in all documents, document files, databases and document management systems.
Reviews protocols, study reports, etc. for product release; ensures that no deviations from approved protocols were made without proper authorization/documentation were performed in accordance with the GXP guidelines.
Carry out job responsibilities and assignments safely and maintain a clean and safe work area.
Other duties as may be necessary.

Preferred Requirements

Bachelor’s (BS) in the Life Sciences or related discipline.
At least four to six years’ experience demonstrated experience in the QA responsibilities listed above.
Strong knowledge of GMP regulations and good documentation practices.
Strong writing skills in protocols, SOPs and QA reports.
Must have ability to listen, communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) and to interact with all levels within the organization. Excellent reasoning, interpersonal and organizational skills, and superior attention to detail.
Extensive skills, knowledge and abilities with computers and software programs including Word, Excel, and document management programs.
High attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and team environment.
Some travel may be required.

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
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Senior/Principal Scientist, Drug Metabolism

Summary

Perform in vitro synthesis of major metabolites and purify sufficient quantity for structure elucidation by NMR. Also conduct in vitro drug metabolism experiments to support both drug discovery and development projects

Responsibilities

Determines in vitro/in vivo metabolic pathways in animals and humans using LC-MS and radioactivity detector.
Purifies metabolites from biological matrices (eg. Liver microsomes, urine or bile) using HPLC with fraction collection.
Maintains and operates API4000, API Q Trap and Thermo Finnigan LCQ/LC-MS instruments
Conducts P450 reaction phenotyping, cyropreserved hepatocytes incubation and in vitro drug-drug interaction studies.
Trains and develops the technical skills of junior staff.
Maintains research records and lab notebooks in a concise, legible and complete manner.
Identifies systems and areas in need of improvement and coordinate subsequent corrective activities.
Carries out job responsibilities and assignments safely and maintains a clean and safe work area.
Other duties as may be necessary.

Preferred Requirements

Ph.D. in relevant area of Chemistry or other related disciplines and at least two year industrial experiences. Will consider M.A. with five to ten years industrial experience.
Knowledge of organic chemistry, chromatographic separations, mass spectrometry, sample extraction techniques.
Hands on experience in Sciex and Finnigan LC-MS/MS (API 4000, API Q-Trap, LCQ ion trap)
Overall understanding of drug discovery and development
Strong communication skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Willingness to work as a team player and take on multiple projects.

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
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Senior Scientist, Discovery Biology

Ardea Biosciences is a full-integrated biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel treatments for HIV, cancer and inflammatory diseases. We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist to work in our Inflammation and Oncology section of our Discovery Biology Department. The successful candidate will be expected to function as a team member in assay development for assessment of small molecules, and in discovery and validation of new drug targets.

Responsibilities

Perform basic molecular and cellular biological techniques, including cloning, DNA sequencing, PCR, tissue culturing, transfections, protein expression/purification and computerized data analysis.
Develop enzymatic and cell-based assays specific for targets in inflammation or cancer.
Maintain research records and lab notebooks in a concise, legible, and complete manner.
May manage Research Associates or Laboratory Associates, or provide training to new or less experienced departmental staff.
Present and publish research findings.
Carry out job responsibilities and assignments safely, and maintain a clean and safe work area.

Requirements

B.S./M.S. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
Minimum of 8 years industrial hands-on experience running biological assays.
Strong communication and instrumentation skills are required.
Experience using FPLC techniques is a plus.

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
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Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Summary

Ardea Biosciences is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel treatments for HIV, cancer and inflammatory diseases. We currently have an opening for a Scientist in our Discovery Chemistry Department. This position will support our current medicinal chemistry efforts under the supervision of a senior medicinal chemist. Working within a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, the candidate will be expected to contribute to the design and/or synthesis of compounds directed towards drug candidates, depending on his/her qualifications and experience. Responsibilities include: planning and conducting multi-step synthesis, interpreting spectroscopic data, solving synthetic problems, and purifying and submitting compounds for biological assays.

Responsibilities

Synthesize target molecules; can work on multiple targets concurrently.
Participate to the development of structure-activity relationships using biological as well as DMPK data.
Conduct and interpret spectral and other analytical data independently.
Present data at internal chemistry and project team meetings.
Execute Ardea’s drug discovery process and demonstrate firm understanding of all aspects of project background, rationale and objectives.
Demonstrate creativity, inventiveness and innovation to advance drug discovery independently. With some guidance, contribute to the direction of chemistry and/or drug design on current project from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Contribute to the writing of patents as required.
Participate for writing of manuscripts.
Maintain research records and lab notebooks in a concise, legible and complete manner.

Preferred Requirements

MS in synthetic organic chemistry or BS with 2 –4 years of industrial experience.
Highly motivated and results-orientated with a proven record of numerous multi-step chemical reactions performed.
Extensive experience with analytical tools such as, HPLC, LCMS and NMR.
Good knowledge of chemistry related computational tools, such as Chemdraw,Scifinder.
Desire to work in a team environment.

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
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Scientist, Virology

Summary

Ardea Biosciences is a fully-integrated biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel treatments for HIV, cancer and inflammatory diseases. The successful candidate will serve as an integral member of the Virology group to develop and implement assays for characterizing the anti-HIV activities of test compounds. The individual must be motivated to work in a scientifically rigorous, fast-paced environment to support discovery biology department goals.

Responsibilities

Works effectively on a cross-disciplinary scientific team to support advancement of pipeline
Develops enzymatic and cell-based assays specific for HIV protein targets
Determines mechanism of action and selectivity of inhibitory compounds
Uses a broad array of molecular biology, biochemistry and virology techniques
Analyzes and interprets data to present at internal group meetings
Provides training to new or less experienced staff
Maintains research records and notebooks in a concise, legible and complete manner
Carries out job responsibilities and assignments safely and maintains a clean and safe work area
Other duties as may be necessary

Preferred Requirements

B.S./M.S. in virology, molecular biology or related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience in a research or pharmaceutical lab
Practical expertise in HIV cell culture and assay systems
Enzymology experience
Highly skilled in molecular biology, biochemistry and virology techniques such as DNA cloning, PCR, nucleic acid detection, protein expression, transfection, enzymatic assay development, virus titration and virus purification
Clear understanding of experimental design
Proficiency in sequence and data analysis
Prior use of automation equipment is desirable
Collaborative attitude and ability to work well within a project team

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
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Associate Director, Bioanalytical

Summary

The Associate Director, Bioanalytical will lead a GLP compliant laboratory in support of both Preclinical and Clinical development programs.

Responsibilities

Manage the GLP compliant laboratory for both Preclinical and Clinical Development projects, multiple projects management and leadership of a group of Bioanalytical scientists.
Lead the development and validation of high throughput LC/MC/MS methods for the quantification of drugs and metabolites in biological matrices under GLP guidelines, including low pg/mL methods to support clinical trials.
Act as Study Director or Principal Investigator for GLP method validation/sample analysis studies.
Coordinate and monitor the method transfer/sample analysis activities in CRO for late stage clinical trials.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot API4000, API5000, API4000 Q-TRAP, Q-STAR and LCQ mass spectrometers and other analytical instrumentation.
Ensure adherence to protocols, SOPs and GLP guidelines.
Study and recommend new HPLC and mass spectrometry techniques, sample preparation and clean up, and automation for high throughput analysis.
Present data at internal group meetings, project or corporate partners meetings, external conferences, compose internal study reports and scientific papers for external publication.
Provide direct and indirect management of both PhD and Associate-level staff, including setting goals, providing feedback, hiring and coaching and conducing performance feedback.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field, > 8 years experience in the field of bioanalytical method development/validation for drugs and metabolites in biological matrices, including post-doctoral, industrial or CRO experience, and minimum 5 years of supervisory experience.
Superb understanding of analytical chemistry, bioanalytical techniques, drug metabolism, drug stability, chromatography, mass spectrometry, sample preparation and clean up, and robotics.
Knowledge of pharmacokinetics data interpretation and WinNonlin software.
Expertise in LC/MS and LC/MS/MS techniques, including Sciex API 4000, API 5000, API 4000 Q-TRAP, and Q-STAR, and Analyst software. Experirenc
Experience with LC/MS/MS analysis of nucleosides, nucleotides, polar molecules, and biomarkers. Excellent skills in LC/MS/MS high throughput bioanalysis with publications and presentations in this area.
Excellent analytical problem identification and solving, and troubleshooting skills.
I-depth knowledge and experience of FDA’s GLP guidelines.
Experience with LIMS systems, such as Watson.

If this sounds like the place for you, send your resume to: careers@ardeabio.com.
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