Scientific Associate Director, Cancer Biology Tumor Microenvironment

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The Tumor Microenvironment Thematic Research Center (TME TRC) is focused on developing therapeutic targets at the intersection of tumor, stromal and immune biology within the TME with the goal of enhancing responsiveness to checkpoint blockade and targeted therapies and transforming response and durability rates for cancer patients.  Comprising of scientists across multiple disciplines we are responsible for the biology and translational science necessary to support drug development from target identification through to first in human studies.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and scientifically exceptional Associate Director to join and help lead a team responsible for initiating and driving programs forward in our Cancer Biology portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Director, Head of Cancer Biology TME TRC. The incumbent will provide scientific and strategic input to programs across our portfolio and play a key role in leadership of the Cancer Biology Group within the TME TRC.

Position Responsibilities:

In the role as Associate Director, Cancer Biology within the TME TRC, the ideal candidate will:

• Provide scientific, business, and strategic vision and leadership for the Cancer Biology Group within the TME TRC.

• Lead a team of ~10 scientists and effectively collaborate with Lymphoid, Myeloid and Stromal Biology Group Leaders to develop and execute on an integrated TME TRC strategy.

• Be responsible for executing on the cancer biology portfolio, with an emphasis on small molecule drug discovery.

• Guide and ensure the transition of innovative targets from hit discovery/lead optimization through to human proof-of-mechanism (PoM) and proof-of-concept (PoC) evaluation.

• Require close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Lead Development & Optimization, Small Molecule Drug Development, In Vivo Pharmacology, Translational, Bioinformatics, Clinical, Commercial and Early Development Project Leads to inform patient segmentation and biomarker opportunities associated with an initial clinical development plan (CDP).

• As a subject-matter expert, contribute to the scientific assessment of external opportunities in collaboration with business development (BD) and Integrative Sciences teams, including asset level diligence and the evaluation of novel technologies or platforms that complement our drug discovery and translational capabilities.

Experience =

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree

  • 12+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Master’s Degree

  • 10+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences  

  • 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience

• 4+ years of leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Cancer-Cell Biology (or related discipline) with a strong understanding of cancer-intrinsic mechanisms shaping the TME, and 8-10 years of relevant industry experience in oncology drug discovery and drug development with emphasis in small molecule R&ED

• Proven track record in personally leading and managing teams to advance programs (particularly small molecules) from research through to early development 

• Decisive leader with a proven track record in fast-paced environments, with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and teamwork and ability to successfully execute and progress programs in a matrixed environment

• Exception