Assoc Dir/dir, Discovery Biology

JOB SUMMARY:

Senior-level role overseeing biology-related drug discovery activities and directs/mentors a group of cancer research scientists in the discovery and evaluation of novel therapeutic molecules. Plays a key role in biological MOA studies of current NCEs. Responsible for managing in vitro research studies to identify and validate new targets and provide guidance to teams that advance compounds through the pipeline.  Effectively communicates with company management and collaborators.  Mentor project leaders and support cross-functional, or other collaborative activities necessary to advance oncology therapeutics to the clinic.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Translates the Company’s research strategy into functional plans, processes, and practices
• Monitors and evaluates the completion of research tasks and projects and designs and leads pharmacology studies including PK/PD/efficacy and development of new animal models
• Develops strategies to ensure effective achievement of scientific objectives, including the discovery of new and high value targets in specific patient segments for the Oncology pipeline
• Devises and executes cancer biology experiments to advance projects from validation to clinical candidate selection
• Ensures timely delivery of incisive and actionable biology data that defines/refines drug discovery strategy
• Manages the work of multiple internal biologists and leverages CROs and academic partners to effectively drive program science forward
• Prioritizes projects and resources to best manage the outcomes of the group
• Communicates science and strategy effectively in a variety of internal and external settings
• Participates in competitive intelligence, as well as scientific and clinical knowledge management, to track advances in relevant therapeutic areas, by interacting with external experts, attending scientific meetings, and staying abreast of the literature
• Furthers the Company’s culture of scientific excellence and achievement as well as champions the career growth of a talented team of cancer biologists
• Other duties and projects as assigned

EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• A PhD or equivalent in cancer biology or related discipline with 8-10 years of drug discovery experience in Pharma or Biotech
• A creative thinker and strong leader with a track record of driving therapeutic programs from inception to lead optimization and eventually to IND-enabling studies
• Extensive experience as a lead biologist advancing novel, first-in-class therapeutics through Discovery pipeline.
• Drug discovery experience in targeted protein degraders and understanding of ubiquitin/proteosome biology would be a plus
• Record of successfully managing medium size groups and working cooperatively in a matrix type organization, including engaging and managing external scientific experiments and biological studies with contract research organizations and academic collaborators
• Excellent technical writing skills as evidenced by strong record of scientific presentations, patents, and publications