Nexagen Search is hiring a (Sr.) Director of Autoimmune Diseases for a biotechnology company in the Washington, DC region. This role will be responsible for leading an established team of scientists, overseeing a portfolio of programs focused on autoimmune diseases, and driving the continued growth of both the team and the portfolio. The ideal candidate will have an extensive background in a broad range of autoimmune and inflammatory indications, including clinical challenges, current therapies, and the competitive landscape.
Responsibilities:
- Build and lead a team of researchers with diverse backgrounds in immunotherapy, antibody drug discovery, antibody engineering, and cellular biology.
- Design and lead pharmaceutical antibody development programs for autoimmunity, from target identification to lead selection, with a focus on translational research.
- Plan, supervise, and ensure the quality of scientific programs, budgets, and human resources. Provide guidance in all aspects of antibody development, from target identification to preclinical studies and into the clinic.
- Directly manage project leaders and teams responsible for monoclonal antibody (mAbs) discovery. Oversee project planning, scientific plan and execution, budgeting, and Gantt.
- Plan and supervise research activities, including functional screening, Abs characterization using cell lines and primary systems, and efficacy studies in relevant disease models.
- Maintain ongoing interactions with Key Opinion Leaders and consultants. Manage relationships with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) for effective collaboration.
- Oversee data analysis, interpretation, and presentation to team members and management. Design and review preclinical study protocols and reports for in-vitro and in-vivo studies.
- Prepare scientific presentations, publications, and scientific reports. Support the company activities related to autoimmune diseases as necessary.
- Be a core member of the program selection team, contributing new program ideas and insights within the realm of autoimmune diseases.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Extensive background in immunology, immunotherapy, drug discovery, antibody engineering, and cellular biology (both in vitro and in vivo).
- Extensive background in a broad range of Autoimmune and inflammatory indications, clinical challenges, current therapies, and competitive landscape.
- Proven experience in building and leading multidisciplinary research teams.
- Track record of designing and leading pharmaceutical antibody discovery and development programs.
- Expertise in translational research and taking drugs from target identification to preclinical studies and into clinical trials.
- Strong project management skills, including budgeting and Gantt chart creation.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a demonstrated ability to interact with KOLs, consultants, and CROs.
- Strategic thinking and contribution to program selection.
Compensation: Base salary range for this position is $180,000 to $220,000 annually.