Associate Director, Musculoskeletal Therapeutic Area In Vivo Lead

Musculoskeletal Therapeutic Area In Vivo Lead, Associate Director About the job Who We Are
For more than two decades, going our own way has led to countless breakthroughs, bettering the lives of those suffering from rare genetic disease. In 1997 we were founded to make a big difference in small patient populations. Now we seek to make an even greater impact by applying the same science-driven, patient-forward approach that propelled our last 25 years of drug development to larger genetic disorders, as well as genetic subsets of more common conditions. Through our unparalleled expertise in genetics, drug discovery and development, we will continue to develop targeted therapies that address the root cause of the conditions we seek to treat. Applying our knowledge to make a transformative impact is not just a calling, but an obligation to those who will benefit most. The end goal has always been better lives and now we can reach more people in need. Our Culture
Our desire to make a positive impact on our patients extends to our employees and BioMarin is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every person feels seen, valued, and heard – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. We seek to provide an open, flexible, and friendly work environment to empower people and to provide them with the ability to develop their long-term careers. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where people enjoy coming to work and take pride in our efforts to help patients. BioMarin’s Research & Development group is responsible for everything from research and discovery to post-market clinical development. Research & Development involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class or best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients. Come join our team and make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
 
The Job Opening
We are seeking a highly motivated and agile Associate Director with experience in skeletal biology and disease to join our team as the Musculoskeletal Therapeutic (MSK) Area In Vivo Lead.  The Associate Director will manage the portfolio of in vivo MSK studies across the Therapeutic Area as well as manage a team of in vivo staff focused on developing therapeutics for musculoskeletal diseases.  This role reports into the Head of the Musculoskeletal Therapeutic Area with extensive interactions and partnership with the Head of Animal Resources.  The successful candidate will advise on all in vivo aspects of the musculoskeletal research and early development portfolio.  This role includes collaboration with external and internal scientists on research projects including in vivo study design, hands on in vivo study performance, selection and characterization of animal models, diligence on business development opportunities, as well as application of in vivo methods and techniques. This role includes regular project management including study report writing for FDA filings, writing IACUC protocols, communicating scientific strategy and results to leadership, monitoring in vivo studies and collaborating with CROs, tissue collection, and sample management.  
 
The successful candidate will also have experience managing staff and be responsible for leading and developing the careers of a dynamic team of in vivo scientists while managing their allocation of effort in alignment with Research priorities.  The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing a productive team, excellent communication skills, and commitment to developing leadership skills in themselves and others.  
 
The ideal candidate will have extensive Postdoctoral Academic or Biotech/Pharma industry hands on in vivo experience in the skeletal biology/disease field. Experience in muscular disease is a plus.  Experience in breeding colony management and familiarity with mouse model creation processes and techniques (e.g. CRISPR, Cre-lox and Tet-on systems, mouse IVF concepts) and familiarity with mutant model types (transgenic, knockout and knock-in models, conditional and traditional mutant lines) is highly desired. Additionally, proficiency with in vivo methods such as administration of test articles with various dosing techniques (IM, IP, IV, SC, PO), plethysmography, gait analysis, Computerized Tomography, Multiphoton microscopy, IVIS imaging, perfusion and tissue collection, blood collection, as well as rodent surgical methods is required. An ability to interpret and communicate the findings from these diverse methods is important. Candidate level at hire will depend on education and experience. Responsibilities:
 
Study Project Management:
•    Effectively collaborate with both internal and external scientists on completion of musculoskeletal therapeutic area in vivo studies which includes CRO study placement/monitoring.
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