Sr. Director, Translational Pharmacology

Company: NeuroTech X
Location: Seattle
Posted on: May 2, 2024

Job Description:

Sr. Director, Translational Pharmacology
Drug Discovery - Seattle, WA - Full time
Sr. Director, Translational Pharmacology
Seattle, WA
Job Description.
Cajal is seeking a Sr. Director, Translational Pharmacology, motivated by Cajal's mission to develop new medicines for patients suffering with neurodegenerative disorders. We are a multi-disciplinary team of experienced scientists, combining state-of-the-art approaches in computational biology, functional genomics, high-throughput imaging, translational models, and drug discovery. In a short time, we have assembled a terrific team of talented, innovative, and passionate individuals to transform the field of neurodegeneration drug discovery. Cajal is now expanding to establish a world-class drug discovery organization.
The Sr. Dir./VP, Translational Pharmacology will leadin vitroandin vivopharmacology efforts to discover and progress novel therapeutic molecules for neurodegenerative diseases. The position requires direct management of pharmacology scientists as well as serving as project team leader for 1-2 preclinical stage drug discovery teams. Productive management of both internal scientific resources and external collaborators and contractors is required, as well as effective and generous collaborations across multiple departments within Cajal.
Responsibilities

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• Lead 1-2 drug discovery program core teams, responsible for creating the program strategy and implementing nimble, cost-effective tactics to deliver on that strategy. The core team leader is accountable for coordinating a matrixed team of subject matter experts working to rapidly progress preclinical therapeutic programs while delivering deeper mechanistic insights into the underlying biology. Teams may include external contract-research drug discovery teams as well as internal scientists and part-time consultants.
  
• Strategically select biochemical, cellular andin vivopharmacology assays and prioritize the development and use of those assays to provide actionable data in support of drug discovery and development programs for neurodegenerative disease therapeutics.
  
• Lead focused pharmacology teams (in vitroandin vivo) to efficiently screen and thoroughly characterize novel small molecules and antisense oligonucleotides in appropriate cellular and rodent models.
  
• Accountable for the quality of the teams' output, leading experts to generate and document high quality, trusted and accurate data.
  
• Provide a framework for the team to make clear, rapid decisions and recommendations after thorough scientific and strategic discussion.
  
• Anticipate risks and barriers to success and proactively seeks solutions, resources and options that reduce those issues and their impacts.
  
• Author reports and pharmacology sections of important nonclinical regulatory documents, including INDs, CTAs, investigator brochures, etc.
  
• Build strong and productive collaborations across scientific functions at Cajal, including target discovery, computational biology, translational models, translational biomarkers, chemistry, DMPK, and clinical science.
  
• Maintain a deep and current knowledge of advances in the field, with a particular focus on emerging technologies for the development of human cellular models and human-relevant animal models and endpoints.
  
• Engage as needed with external partners and consultants to support efficient, data-driven decision making.
  
• Contribute to assessing and prioritizing relevant capital expenses and outside services contracts.
  
• Write peer-reviewed publications and prepare presentations internally and for relevant conferences.
  
  This job might be great for you if you have:
  
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  • Ph.D. in the field of neuroscience or pharmacology, with at least 8 years of industry experience in drug discovery or development for CNS diseases.
    
  • Demonstrated experience leading drug discovery teams from discovery through IND, including strategic planning, risk analysis, decision-making, and prioritization. Experience with a variety of targets and modalities is valuable.
    
  • Deep knowledge of pharmacology, disease-related neuroscience, and emerging techniques in the use of cellular and animal models of drug discovery.
    
  • Familiarity with other drug discovery disciplines, including chemistry, DMPK, proteomics, lipidomics, toxicology and clinical pharmacology, and the ability to confidently lead or participate in technically complex cross-functional discussions.
    
  • Experience managing a small, focused lab-based team of biologists and pharmacologists.
    
  • Experience interacting with contract research organizations, including study design and management, budgeting, report reviews, and effectively leading communication across the organization.
    
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to IND-enabling data preparation, including data generation, data interpretation, and review and reporting of nonclinical data.
    
  • Knowledge of FDA, EMA/ICH regulations and requirements for GLP preclinical study design and documentation.
    
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
    
  • A disposition to be very science- and data-driven, detail-oriented and thrive in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, team-oriented startup environment.
    
    Important Considerations
    
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    • Cajal operates as a hybrid workplace, but we prefer that team members spend part of their time working on-site in our Seattle offices.
      
    • Please note, this opportunityoffersrelocation assistance.
      
    • The annual base salary range for this role is $225,000-$250,000
      
      *Final salary depends on qualifications, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with location, where applicable.
      Company & Benefits
      Cajal is a team of people first, motivated by our shared mission to advance the field of neurodegeneration. We are committed to ensuring that all our team members feel supported, connected, and energized at work. Our team members eagerly navigate the uncertainty and fast-paced environment of an early-stage biotech company and thrive on getting things done. We value creativity and curiosity in our work, and we take pride in the generosity, sincerity, and kindness of our team members.
      Benefits include:
      
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      • Competitive compensation based on experience level
        
      • Health insurance: 100% coverage of premiums for employee, partner, & all dependents
        
      • Dental insurance: 100% of premiums
        
      • Vision insurance: 100% of premiums
        
      • Life insurance: 100% of premiums for 2x salary coverage
        
      • Access to Flexible Spending Account
        
      • 401(K) Plan with matching contributions
        
      • 5 weeks paid time off plus 13 company holidays (2 floating)
        
      • 8 weeks parental leave for primary caregiver or 4 weeks for secondary caregiver in addition to WA Paid Family & Medical Leave (up to 12 additional weeks)
        
      • Generous commuter benefits including free metro cards, on site locker rooms/showers/towel service, modern bike cage and free bike tunes
        
        Located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, Cajal sits at the heart of a vibrant biotech community, directly between research giants such as the Allen Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. We are surrounded by fellow innovative biotech companies and startups and within a stone's throw of the beautiful Lake Union and the University of Washington. Our newly renovated office and labs offer ample natural light and stunning views of the Space Needle downtown. Our kitchen is fully stocked with coffee, tea, and snacks. All desks are sit-stand for maximal comfort and our meeting rooms seamlessly support hybrid teams.
        Cajal is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you require any accommodations during the recruiting process, please coordinate with your recruiting contact.
        To the extent permitted by applicable law, employment is conditioned upon full vaccination (per CDC guidelines) from the COVID-19 virus, including submission of documented proof thereof, as of the start date. Cajal will comply with applicable law regarding the reasonable accommodation of individuals who are not vaccinated because of a disability and/or sincerely held religious belief.
        To Apply
        Please apply through our applicant tracking system, greenhouse ().
        Please to apply.
        
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Keywords: NeuroTech X, Seattle , Sr. Director, Translational Pharmacology, Executive , Seattle, Washington