Associate Director, Drug Discovery

Character Biosciences is a drug discovery and development company building world-class, deeply-phenotyped databases that integrate genomics with longitudinal clinical and imaging data in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma therapeutic areas. Our interdisciplinary team, comprising experts in clinical science, data science, statistical genetics, machine learning and drug discovery utilize these platforms to determine genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics and define genetics-based patient stratification. Character is currently advancing two programs in AMD towards clinical development with additional programs in earlier stages of discovery research in AMD and glaucoma areas.

We are seeking a talented Associate Director to lead the expansion of our therapeutic pipeline in glaucoma.  Leveraging human genetics evidence, this critical role will lead the nomination of potential drug targets for internal research and the evaluation of potential therapeutic assets for in-licensing.  This role will also be instrumental in driving the experimental validation of drug targets and the discovery and optimization of drug candidates. 

This position offers an opportunity to join a growing, dynamic startup and directly contribute to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics by shaping the future of Character’s research pipeline. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead the evaluation of potential drug targets and external therapeutic assets in the glaucoma therapeutic area, leveraging human genetic and biological data

• Lead the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the biological functions of drug targets and therapeutic compounds

• Lead drug discovery activities using drug format modalities appropriate for specific targets 

• Manage internal scientific staff and external collaborations with CROs

• Collaboratively design and manage the execution of in vivo studies with CROs to enable lead candidate selection (e.g. pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerability)

• Innovatively troubleshoot, effectively resolving challenges as they arise

• Regularly present at internal and external meetings to audiences of diverse scientific backgrounds

Key qualifications:

• PhD in a biological or biochemical discipline with a minimum of 7 years pharma industry experience in drug discovery

• Research experience in the ophthalmology therapeutic area is required, specific experience in glaucoma is strongly preferred

• Demonstrated leadership ability in target and/or asset evaluation and drug discovery areas

• Strong publication record (scientific journals, patents and/or conferences)

• Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential

• Experience with managing and mentoring scientific staff