Associate Director, Biochemical and Cellular Assay Technologies, Discovery Sciences

Overview

We are seeking a Discovery Sciences Team Lead (Senior Scientist or Associate Director) responsible for biochemical and cellular assays.  The Team Lead will contribute across the discovery spectrum from Lead Discovery to Development Candidate. The person will be responsible for the design and execution of biochemical and cellular assays for hit finding, hit validation, mechanism of action studies and medicinal chemistry profiling. The ideal candidate has a high level of experience in directing innovative approaches in the area of biochemical and cellular assays, preferably including the design of physiologically relevant assays in a high-throughput setting. A proven track record of enabling drug discovery teams with high quality data focused on discovery path is required. The ideal candidate must be exceedingly well organized, highly motivated, able to motivate others, have outstanding interpersonal skills and be extremely flexible. The candidate should be recognized in the community for their high degree of innovation and quality of science. The candidate must also bring a high level of enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement cellular and/or biochemical assays suitable for the identification, characterization and optimization of compounds. These assays will enable project teams to evaluate the compounds and develop structure-activity relationships as part of the overall lead discovery and optimization activities.
• Contribute to the vision & establish and manage the workflows for Discovery Sciences that enables productivity, creativity, and integrates new technologies to ensure that Discovery Sciences operates at the leading edge of drug discovery.
• Generate innovative proposals and drive the implementation of new technological approaches and capabilities.
• Create project plans and execute workflows and logistics to meet project goals and milestones.
• Set scientific direction for the group and contribute to managing priorities of company’s portfolio.
• Works with leadership team to ensure strategic plans align with corporate goals and long-term company plans.
• Provides coaching and leadership to a team of bench-oriented scientists performing lead discovery activities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Enzymology, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field or equivalent pharmaceutical/biotech experience is required.
• Experience with developing biochemical and cellular assays for lead discovery and optimization is required.
• Experience working in a drug discovery environment is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of assay design principles is required, and experience with HTS is preferred.
• Experience with compound screening formats, laboratory instrumentation and automation, data analysis and management, and a sound knowledge of the drug discovery process is preferred.
• Proven track record for striving for high level of innovation and scientific excellence.
• Excellent management, training and education skills.