Senior Medical Director, Translational Medicine, Neurology

Senior Medical Director, Translational Medicine, Neurology

Introduction

The Medical Director of Translational Medicine will play a critical role in bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application.

This position involves leading efforts to develop and implement strategies that ensure the effective transition of therapies from the lab to clinical trials.

This individual will lead translational aspects of neurologic clinical studies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to support translational and experimental medicine.  The role will focus on neurologic rare diseases across the Neurology Therapeutic Area (TA) and Genomic Medicine Development Unit at Alexion. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in translational medicine, with a focus on neurology rare diseases and preference with experience in rare diseases.

What You Will Do

• Create and execute translational science and experimental medicine plans

• Develop, in collaboration with other members of the cross functional team clinical and scientific aspects of translational studies from preclinical through Proof-of-Concept studies supporting:

  • Human target validation

  • Candidate indication selection

  • Preliminary clinical plan development

• Collaborate with early clinical development leaders within the DRS Development organization to support the transition from Research to the DRS Development organization in preparation for IND

• Partner with Translational Research team to drive connectivity between the Research and Development organizations

• Support cross-functional teams on IND-enabling studies

• Support the design of early clinical trials through Proof-of-Concept, including experimental medicine studies

• Through collaboration, design and execute translational plans (including clinical biomarkers supporting target engagement, MoA, and proof of biology, across various modalities), to support clinical development programs.

• Develop and implement patient enrichment strategies to support the core aspects of the program

• Prepare and review study protocols, clinical study reports, and translational medicine sections of plans, abstracts, and technical reports

• Serve as a scientific and medical expert in translational medicine, providing guidance and insights to internal teams and external partners.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams during the design, execution, and reporting of early-stage clinical trials to ensure that biomarker and other translational data is available at the time of clinical trial result readout.

• Lead or participate in cross-functional working groups and engage in external interactions with academic institutions and scientific experts.

• Present results and updates of projects at department, project, corporate, and scientific meetings.

• Stay updated on the latest advancements in neurologic translational medicine and rare disease research, incorporating new knowledge into ongoing projects.

Who You Are

• Medical Degree (MD) with board certification/board eligible in Neurology is Required; In addition PhD or strong research experience is preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years in early clinical development, translational medicine or translational research in an industry setting; exceptional individuals with academic trial/research experience will be considered.

• In-depth knowledge in a core neurology specialty area with broad understanding of the wider scope of neurology diseases is strongly preferred. 

• Proven competence in clinical therapeutics, drug development, and early clinical development.

• Thorough understanding of FDA and ethical guidelines relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels of experience and across worldwide cultures.

• Conscientious, enthusiastic team player with excellent collaboration and teamwork abilities.

• Strong analytical and evaluative skills.

Working at Alexion

We’re inspired to think differently, to create better outcomes. By creating an unparalleled employee experience, our organization is equipped to adapt and enrich employees with a productive, engaging, and enjoyable work experience, while accelerating world-class leadership and innovation capabilities that can deliver on our mission. Each of us is accountable for delivering innovative medicines and supportive technology with integrity so we can truly understand and better the lives of people affected by rare diseases. Together, we