Head of Pre-clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

JOB PURPOSE

We are looking to expand our team with hard-working individuals who believe in the potential of cells as engineered medicines, have the vision to do creative things, and the determination to execute that vision. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head of Research Operations will work with Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy leaders to drive execution and the achievement of department goals, support strategic planning, and establish strong cross-functional communication processes.  Work closely with the leadership teams to identify, develop, and execute strategic plans to achieve department goals, ensuring that they are clear and actionable; oversee the achievement of department goals and priorities.

• Partner with cell therapy and gene therapy leaders to drive process and performance improvements within Research and help scale their scientific functions
• Drive all research operations for functional teams within cell and gene therapy; organize meetings, conferences, and receptions
• Partner with Research employees to assess and manage scientific advisors, consultants and vendor needs, to include managing the contracts process
• Partner closely other functions to ensure a seamless operational partnership within Sana
• Partner with leaders and employees to effectively communicate important information across teams, including decisions; align teams to execute on projects within Research and with other departments across the company
• Partner with leaders to drive business planning and budgeting processes, including headcount, goals, external partnership and capital expenditures
• Assist leaders with the development of all presentations to internal and external stakeholders
• Interact with internal staff members to conduct and oversee preparation of briefing materials for the Cell and Gene Therapy leaders
• Compose and manage correspondence dealing with issues or subject matter that is highly sensitive and confidential
• Take on special projects, as necessary

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 15 years of industry experience
• Recognized expert in one’s field of specialization and possesses significant experience working in/supporting research organizations
• Excellent project management skills with a track record of getting things done in fast paced environments and within tight timelines
• Demonstrates humility and the ability to work and collaborate with employees and leaders of all levels and experience, virtual and remote teams in different geographic locations
• Is a simplifier; demonstrated ability to break down complexity and teach others to do the same; keen ability to synthesize inputs from various stakeholders into coherent deliverables and outputs
• Exceptional ability to manage changing priorities and ambiguity
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral
• Proven leadership skills and demonstrates courage, smart risk taking, innovative thinking
• Effective influencing skills; ability to build and maintain strong cross-functional and cross-site relationships as well as the ability to lead and drive results without direct management authority
• Experience with SRA management, working with Scientific advisors, consultants and research vendors
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, experience with Smartsheet preferred

 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cell and/or gene therapy research
• Master’s or PhD degree
• PMP certification

How we work together for patients

• Lead from every seat – we seek to understand, act with honesty, and engage in the crucial conversations
• Thrive as a team – we hire amazing people, are intensely curious, and cultivate inclusion and personal connectivity
• Make it happen – we value vigorous debate, alignment around our decisions, and resilient execution 

Get to know us

At Sana, we believe that a diverse workforce strengthens us as a company and helps us to achieve our mission to meaningfully change the outcome of many human diseases. This belief is a pillar of our business and is critical to our success. Our goal is that Sana is the place for talented people to bring their authentic selves to work, to have a great career and to deeply, positively impact patients.

Core to our values, we believe there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of you and your family. For benefit eligible employees, we cover 100% of the cost for employee health coverage and offer generous time-off (various paid time off benefits, such as holidays, vacation,