Senior Director, Translational Medicine

Leads all activities related to Pharmacology and Translational Sciences essential to the growth of Otsuka’s discovery and early phase pipeline.  Responsible for identifying and utilizing emerging Translational and Pharmacology studies and tools, new technologies and scientific capabilities for the growth of Otsuka’s early phase capabilities. Lead EDTS members and interactions with discovery teams, Business Development (BD) and McQuade Center for Research and Development (MSRD) or academic centers to evaluate, support research related to internal and external assets. Oversee pharmacology and translational activities related to late-stage compounds and oversee development of pharmacology sections of IND, NDA and CTD submission. The Senior Director, EDTS in alignment with functional head VP, collaborates with other senior leaders to identify, introduce, and implement translational tools or studies for discovery and early phase programs and establish strategic plans and objectives.

• Interact with internal and external groups to evaluate new compounds, molecular and biological targets as well as new formulation technologies.
• Partner with internal and external research organizations to expand and facilitate development of early phase and discovery phase compounds.
• Provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders and interact with subject matter experts for early development and go/no go decisions related to the discovery as well as early phase assets.
• Provide expert advice to internal and external discovery teams as well as academic and early investment partners on early development, lead optimization and go/no go decisions.
• Represent EDTS in cross functional as well as internal/external collaborations (BD, MSRD, etc.) on activities related to early phase target and asset identification.
• Lead discovery and translational efforts related to target identification, lead identification through IND and proof-of-concept.
• Provide support, lead or serve as individual contributor to public private stakeholders in pre-competitive space to promote advancement of internal capabilities of global translational initiatives.
• Interact with other disciplines within Early Development and Translational Medicine to promote, initiate and elevate translational sciences, biomarker, genomics, quantitative pharmacology activities.
• In alignment with functional head VP manage planning, staffing, budgeting, expense priorities, and recommending and implementing changes to methods.
• Supervise, lead and develop talent within EDTS to ensure technical and scientific capabilities are aligned with department’s future plans.

• Knowledge and Competencies
• In-depth knowledge of Translational Medicine, Pharmacology, Neuropsychopharmacology translational and discovery models.
• Great working knowledge of drug development, clinical development, biomarker and translational tools.
• Current awareness of the latest developments in clinical pharmacology, and guidance documents.

Skills

• Must be able to apply scientific knowledge (in the areas specified above) to further the company’s products, anticipate and identify core problems, apply insightful analysis, and solve problems effectively.
• Strong leadership experience related to Early Phase and Translational Medicine.
• Strong organization skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Flexibility to react rapidly to changing situations/environment.

 
Travel 20%

Educational Qualifications

PhD in Pharmacology, Neuropsychopharmacology (or a related area) with a minimum of 15 years of experience. Experience in drug development, clinical research, and PK/PD modeling a plus.

Competencies
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role