Director, Drug Discovery (Cell Therapy)

Director, Drug Discovery (Cell Therapy)

• Location: Boston, MA
• TC: $220,000-$255,000 Significant Bonus and Equity Industry-Leading Benefits Package

An industry-leading, global biopharma is in search of an innovative Director, Drug Discovery (Cell Therapy) to take on a critical role in the development of novel cell therapies for cancer patients. As the leader of this function, the Director will be providing guidance and a strategic vision to a highly esteemed team of scientists (~10). This individual will be responsible for taking programs from target ID to IND studies, leverage the company’s cutting-edge discovery workflows, as well as serve within the Department Head’s senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership for the Cell Therapy Drug Discovery team and cultivate a collaborative and innovative organization.
• Contribute to departmental strategy and enhance pipeline support to accelerate programs to IND as a key player on the Senior Leadership Team.
• Guide research and platform strategy using your expertise in CT drug discovery and extensive experience progressing cell therapies through IND.
• Define and articulate goals and expectations to the team, investing in team members' growth and development.
• Mentor scientists, nurture talent, and identify opportunities for professional growth.
• Keep abreast of the latest research and development trends (particular emphasis on the application of AI/ML) in the field of biologics/cell therapies in pharmacology.
• Evaluate new opportunities in partnership with business development and strategic academic alliances, initiating and leading external interactions and collaborations.
• Play a key role in the successful discovery and development of new cell therapies by collaborating with teams across the organization and at different stages of the drug development process

Requirements/Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Biology, Immunology, Cell Therapy, Pharmacology or a related field is required, as well as 12 years of research experience
• Minimum of 7 years of experience within the biopharmaceutical industry, specifically in cell therapy discovery is highly preferred
• Extensive knowledge of drug discovery techniques, with a proven track record of leading cell therapy programs (preference for T Cell-based) from early discovery (target ID/validation) to IND stage.
• Proven leadership in establishing developability workflows, advanced and novel analytical technologies (HTS).
• Notable experience with T cell biology research (prior experience with Gamma Delta T cells being preferred).
• Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to manage a team of scientists and lead cross-functional teams.