Director/Sr. Director, Translational Research

The Company:

FL85 is a Flagship backed, privately held biotechnology company on a mission to transform the current approach to information molecule therapeutics to unlock their full therapeutic potential. In recent years, we have begun to experience the power of information molecules in treating historically undruggable diseases and in designing therapies with unprecedented turnaround times. FL85’s platform integrates nanoparticle development with world-class informatics technologies and a novel pipeline of experimentation and discovery to drive a new generation of highly effective, therapeutically relevant information molecule therapies. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!

FL85 was founded by Flagship Pioneering. Flagship Pioneering conceives, creates, resources, and develops first-in-category life sciences companies to transform human health and sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, the firm has applied a unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate and foster more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in over $30 billion in aggregate value. The current Flagship ecosystem comprises 37 transformative companies, including: Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Rubius Therapeutics (NASDAQ: RUBY), Indigo Agriculture, and Sana Biotechnology (NASDAQ: SANA).

The Position:

FL85 is seeking a highly talented individual to lead its Translational Research Group and manage multiple research programs as part of FL85’s Platform Group where s/he will identify, prioritize, and provide innovative solutions to challenges posed by delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. S/he will work cross-functionally to direct and oversee discovery research and therapeutic candidate development programs to enable next generation genomic medicines. The successful candidate will implement strategies to overcome limitations of current nucleic acid delivery approaches and will have a strong understanding of targeted information molecule delivery and relevant in vitro and in vivo models. A robust background in chemistry and optimization of non-viral vectors, as well as analytical and characterization techniques is required. As the Head of Translational Research, the successful candidate will support development of novel non-viral delivery capabilities and key responsibilities will include:

 

• Directing and overseeing discovery programs covering in vitro and in vivo proof-of -concept studies in small and large animal models in support of developing innovative non-viral vectors with cell-specific tropism and/or enhanced functional delivery properties.
• Delivering rigorous workflows, including generation and implementation of ideas, to facilitate novel non-viral delivery approaches with other parts of the organization and external collaborators.
• Designing and troubleshooting experiments based on personal experience and literature review.
• Initiating and overseeing collaborations with industry partners.
• Establishing and managing timelines to ensure projects are completed according to schedule.
• Setting project priorities, planning workload, and managing resource and personnel scheduling.
• Ensuring group goals are met and are aligned with broader organizational objectives.
• Preparing study materials and presenting scientific presentations at internal and external meetings including to senior leadership.
• Training, developing, and providing leadership to a team of Scientists and Research Associates.

 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical or Biological Engineering, or related field
• Typically has 8+ years of relevant work experience related to non-viral delivery in a biopharmaceutical setting
• Subject matter expert in the fields of synthetic chemistry, formulation and/or bioconjugation with hands-on research application experience related to delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics
• Prior management experience is required
• Proven ability to work independently and cross-functionally with highly skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technical environment
• Experience managing CROs and external collaborations
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Motivated, curious, proactive and comfortable working with highly technical projects and personnel
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying technical information in a clear and thorough manner
• Comfortable delivering against challenging commitments and timelines

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion,