Executive Director, Translational Medicine

Structure Therapeutics develops life‐changing medicines for patients using advanced structure‐based and computational drug discovery technology. The company’s platform combines the latest advancements in visualization of molecular interactions, computational chemistry, and data integration to design orally available, superior small molecule medicines that overcome current limitations of biologic and peptide drugs. We are advancing a clinical‐stage pipeline of differentiated treatments focused on chronic diseases with high unmet need, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary conditions.

Structure Therapeutics is led by an experienced group of international drug innovators and financed by top-tier global life sciences investors. The company completed an initial public offering (IPO) in February of 2023. With offices in California and Shanghai, Structure Therapeutics has the benefit of being at the center of life science innovation in both the US and China and capitalizing on the strengths of each geographic location.

The Executive Director, head of translational medicine will build and lead a group focused on the development and execution of translational strategies to address unmet patient needs. The role will bridge the non-clinical and clinical development organizations to streamline clinical development and to turn scientific discoveries into effective patient treatments. The ideal candidate has a strong background in translational medicine and a desire to work collaboratively across different therapeutic areas. The position will report to the VP, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacometrics and Translational Medicine. 

• Preference is for local candidates, and we are moving to a 4-day work week/in the SSF QC office
• If remote, you will be required to work in SSF QC office one week a month

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• You will ensure the development and execution of translational strategies from preclinical through proof-of-concept studies across the portfolio by ensuring robust strategy and methodologies with clear "Go/No Go" decision points.
• Lead cross-functional teams aimed at defining the translational strategy to guide clinical development: combination potential indication identification, patient stratification strategy, new administration routes, overall biomarker strategy, etc. Ensure translation sciences plans are created and executed according to their priority level.
• Accountable for the design and execution of translational studies in humans, including the development and execution of studies to validate clinical platforms utilizing established and novel biomarkers to interrogate biological activity in humans.
• Contribute to hypothesis-driven study design, execution, and data analysis, including identification of most relevant preclinical and ex vivo models.
• Interact at all levels of potential product development to provide input on matters regarding pre-clinical & early-stage development of new drugs and indications, including the Discovery, due diligence and external licensing functions.
• Ensure the development and execution of precision medicine strategies (eg.: metabolomics, genomics, etc) in collaboration with external partners.
• You will coordinate and manage physician scientists &/or translational scientists, and will serve cross-functionally in a leadership capacity by interacting directly with functional area leads and key internal experts to ensure that key product attributes are consistently accounted for as they pertain to translational and clinical development and overall project risk management.
• Establish and maintain strong external partnerships with key opinion leaders, academic institutions and other external partners. Represent the Company within the scientific and medical research community through involvement in international scientific meetings and through professional publications.
• Contribute to translational medicine components in regulatory submissions, respond to regulatory authorities’ queries and represent the function at regulatory interactions, as appropriate.
• Ensure the establishment of best practices for Translational Medicine activities
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Track record of effectively monitoring vendor performance, ensuring they meet contractual obligations, and taking corrective actions when necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with internal teams, external vendors and key opinion leaders, promoting collaboration and partnership.
• The ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions under pressure, weighing risks and benefits while considering the impact on the overall strategy.
• The ability to think critically and analytically, evaluating information and data to make well-informed decisions.
• Sensitivity to and respect for cultural differences, especially when working in a diverse and global environment.
• Skill in negotiating and reaching consensus with stakeholders, including study sponsors, key opinion leaders, regulatory agencies, and internal teams.
• The ability to present complex scientific and clinical concepts in a clear and understandable manner, both in writing and verbally. This includes effective listening and providing constructive feedback.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant global regulatory requirements, including FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines. Ability to interpret and apply these regulations effectively in a practical context.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple deliverables and reports.
• Ability to develop translational medicine strategies that bring value to the portfolio, while building and supporting a highly effective team to deliver the best science within the allotted timelines.

REQUIREMENTS

 Education

•  Advanced training with a doctoral degree such as MD or MD/PhD. Training in general or internal medicine preferred.  

 Experience

• 8-10 years of relevant drug development experience in the biotech/pharma industry
• Demonstrated record of scientific achievement, through publications, scientific presentations, etc.
• Clinical experience and basic science background in metabolic diseases. Experience in Neuroscience is preferred. Track record of excellence and a willingness to work collaboratively across different therapeutic areas.
• Demonstrated leadership skills working cross-functionally and in building and leading teams in a global/multicultural environment

Travel

Around 15% for conferences, with a potential to travel to office in China. For remote candidates, monthly trips to the headquarters in California.  

The target salary range for this full-time role is $267,000 - $321,000 bonus equity benefits. Structure Therapeutics determines salary ranges based on level and scope of responsibilities, as well as location. Individual pay is further determined by additional factors, including relevant experience, specific job skills, education and training. More details about the specific salary range for your location will be discussed with you during the hiring process by the StructureTx Talent Acquisition Team.