Director of Biology - Immunology

Director, Biology ( immunology/Inflammation )
Job description

The drug discovery and development team is seeking a highly motivated Project Leader for a full-time research position. The individual is expected to direct project-based research involving in vitro and in vivo experimentation, work collaboratively and independently in support of multiple Immunology/Inflammation research programs.
Key responsibilities:

• Leads the biology portions of our Immunology and Inflammation-based projects towards clinical candidate selection. This includes the development and support of cell-based discovery screening, plate-based reporter, and ELISA assays, as well as flow cytometry
• Project leadership. Collaborate closely with chemistry, biology, and DMPK, pharmacology groups to drive discovery and lead optimization and pre-clinical characterization of multiple candidates across a different immunology discovery program for clinical candidate selection
• Responsible for discovery through candidate selection and support of resulting clinical filings ensuring a smooth transition from research to development
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and communicate scientific data from the different biology workstreams to the project team
• Lead and/or assist in writing and revising technical documents including testing protocols and data reports
• Support data analysis and reporting per needs of the project(s) and maintain contemporaneous database updates
• Ensure practices and processes of research efforts are up-to-date and meet industry standards
• Also responsible to keep abreast of competitive landscape based upon project target and indication(s) in development

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related fields, and 10+ years of therapeutic industrial research experience
• Experience with project leadership and leading drug discovery programs
• Experience with early-phase drug discovery and development with a solid understanding of the immune/inflammation area covering both in vitro and in vivo approaches
• Demonstrated expertise and a track record of success in advancing discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization and clinical candidate selection
• Proficiency in the following techniques: screening assays, maintaining cells lines, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and ELISA
• Experience with handling of tissue samples from pre-clinical models, blood-based and primary cell-based experiments, and experience in molecular biology techniques is helpful
• Experience managing work of direct reports, external CROs, KOLs, research advisors, and collaborator activities
• The ability to simultaneously manage and progress multiple tasks is requisite
• Proficiency with software such as GraphPad Prism, flow cytometry software and Microsoft Office, for data analysis, figure generation, data management and uploading
• Attention to detail with excellent organizational, experimental data recording and time management skills
• A track record of effectively communicating scientific concepts and strategies, including a publication record in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals
• The ability to develop new skillsets and knowledge will be necessary to successfully support assigned projects
• Ability to interact effectively with team members and function collaboratively in a highly productive, dynamic, and fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills