Job Details
Job Title: Director, Translational Research - Antiviral Drug Development
Company: Pledge Therapeutics
Location: Canton, MA
About Pledge Therapeutics:
Pledge Therapeutics is an innovative start-up dedicated to advancing treatments in immunology and virology. We are passionate about developing novel therapies addressing unmet medical needs in immune-oncology and viral infections. Leveraging our state-of-the-art discovery platform, we have developed high-quality medicinal leads for multiple exciting drug targets that can potentially revise existing treatment paradigms. Our breakthrough discoveries are ready to be transitioned from the lab to the clinic.
Job Description: Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Translational Research for Antiviral Drug Development will spearhead initiatives to design, conduct, and analyze mechanism-of-action studies, support lead optimization, and candidate development studies, establish early signs of efficacy, and drive proof-of-concept studies using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models.
This pivotal role demands an insightful leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is comfortable juggling multiple responsibilities within a resource-limited setting.
Based in Canton, MA, the incumbent will shape our translational strategy, capabilities, and vision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and evaluate new project opportunities, managing drug discovery programs to ensure the development of innovative antiviral therapies
- Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership, driving the company's scientific programs to new heights while taking full ownership of project outcomes
- Work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams, including Medicinal Chemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Chemistry, and Biophysics, and manage relationships with external Contract Research Organizations for IND-enabling studies
- Be the critical player behind developing comprehensive preclinical data packages for partnering and other stakeholders
- Support and provide scientific input for all translational medicine aspects of clinical and regulatory documents
- Propose innovative methods and technologies and act as a scientific and business thought leader within the company and the broader scientific and medical community
Qualifications:
- PhD and/or MD with a primary focus in Virology, Immunology, Oncology, Cellular or Molecular Biology, or Pharmacology
- At least eight (8) years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Substantial expertise in antiviral drug development and a thorough understanding of preclinical drug development strategy
- Proven experience with pharmacodynamic principles, drug discovery, development, biomarker discovery, and conducting pre-IND and IND-enabling studies.
- Proven track record in strategic project management leading high-impact scientific publications and grant proposals
Competencies:
- Ability to lead and drive projects from discovery to preclinical development, strategically focusing on clinical outcomes
- Expertise in establishing, managing, and running preclinical studies, including designing and implementing protocols and SOPs
- Strong data management and visualization skills, with experience collaborating with other scientists to enhance data analysis and representation
- Outstanding analytical, research, and communication skills (written and oral) as well
- Strong scientific communication skills to diverse audiences and the ability to present the results clearly and concisely
- Exceptional organizational, project, and people management skills, demonstrating leadership informed by deep expertise and a commitment to innovation
- A demonstrable passion for developing new therapies and a commitment to advancing drug development to clinical application
Personal Characteristics:
- A builder and enabler by nature, this role is suited for someone eager to advance life-saving drugs into the clinic and significantly impact the field.
- Ability to prioritize, be dynamic and flexible, yet highly productive in a fast-paced environment
- This position is ideal for a visionary who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about playing a pivotal role in developing groundbreaking therapies.
- Candidates should enjoy engaging deeply with complex challenges and demonstrate a high dedication to pushing medical science's boundaries.
Job Type: Full-time, On-Site, Equal Opportunity Employment