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.