Director - TGFbeta Superfamily Biology Lead

Director - TGFbeta Superfamily Biology Lead

Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines for the treatment of serious diseases in which signaling by protein growth factors plays a fundamental role.

Our most advanced investigational product candidate, apitegromab (SRK-015), a selective inhibitor of the activation of the growth factor myostatin in skeletal muscle, is in development for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA. Following positive results from the TOPAZ Phase 2 trial in patients with Type 2 and Type 3 SMA, we are planning to advance to a Phase 3 trial by year-end. In addition, we are conducting our DRAGON Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial for SRK-181, a selective inhibitor of latent TGFβ1 activation, in patients with locally advanced and metastatic solid tumors.

By combining our deep structural insights with antibody drug discovery, Scholar Rock is creating a pipeline of novel product candidates with the potential to transform the lives of patients suffering from a wide range of serious diseases, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, and fibrosis.

Summary of Position:

Scholar Rock is seeking an outstanding individual to join our team in discovering and developing novel biologic therapies to transform the lives of patients with life threatening diseases. The candidate will provide TGF-Beta superfamily signaling expertise to the Discovery Biology team, lead/co-lead early exploratory and discovery research programs and support late stage and clinical programs in a matrixed organization. This position requires a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with hands-on expertise in taking novel target ideas from exploratory stage to preclinical development and beyond. The successful candidate must demonstrate a high level of autonomy, initiative and decision making.
Position Responsibilities:

• Lead the TGF-Beta biology team within Discovery Biology group.
• In collaboration with research leadership, define the scientific strategy for new target discovery within TGF-Beta superfamily, including fibrosis and other related disorders.
• Initiate, manage and lead discovery research programs to identify antibody therapeutics for diseases driven by TGF-Beta superfamily signaling and related targets and support existing clinical program(s).
• Design and execute in vivo pharmacology studies in relevant mouse models using CROs and potential academic partners and prepare reports to support regulatory filings.
• Manage and mentor a team of scientists and develop and perform needed assays to support relevant programs.
• Work collaboratively with translational scientists to support patient selection strategies and identify potential biomarkers.
• Communicate overall strategy of the projects to others including senior leadership and represent Scholar Rock in collaboration and partnership discussions, conferences, and other engagements

Candidate Requirements:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or MD/PhD) in life sciences, with a minimum of 8+ years' experience in drug discovery. Management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry preferred.
• A solid background in growth factor biology and signaling with preference to experience in TGF-Beta superfamily. Strong track record of publications in the field.
• Experience supporting identification of development candidates and a strong record of leading programs to candidate nomination and beyond.
• Hands on experience in designing and executing in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies and strong team leadership and supervisory experience.
• Strong collaboration skills, with an ability to influence multiple stakeholders and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members
• Ability to manage and deliver on multiple objectives under aggressive timelines, balancing resources and priorities to achieve objectives
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to articulate solutions to challenging research and translational development questions across diverse functional areas and backgrounds
• Self-motivated and comfortable operating independently and within teams

Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees .