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Director, Biology

Reference Number: 3910
Location: NY

Our client is a global biopharmaceutical company. They have asked us to assist them in their search for a Director, Biology.

Major tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • Supports the Chief Scientific Officer in the oversight of discovery and preclinical projects.
  • Assists in the development of cost-efficient methods with regard to biological assays for the transition from early drug discovery to drug candidates, and ultimately the filing of INDs.
  • Leads/co-Leads projects within the preclinical portfolio.
  • Identifies, evaluates, selects, and prioritizes potential portfolio projects and appropriate compounds for drug development.
  • Provides scientific, technical, and strategic leadership on biological aspects of drug research and development both internally and externally.
  • Serves as project leader, and primary point of contact, for partners on R&D programs and contract laboratories, having accountability for quality and timely performance.
  • Recommends and marshals appropriate cutting-edge technologies to drive forward existing and future programs.
  • Collaborates in a productive manner to help drive and maximize research and development activities.
  • Represents the company externally at meetings with regulatory bodies and in scientific, financial, and business development communities.
  • Act as a key company representative in meetings with consortia and partners.
  • Reports progress towards research milestones to the Chief Scientific Officer, the Research and Development team, the Scientific Advisory Committee and the company management.
  • Assists in review of grant reports to funders and in review of grant proposals.
  • Evaluates the progress of portfolio projects within the context of the overall portfolio to ensure that resources are best used and that projects meet all critical success factors, and prepares materials for interim and formal project reviews.
  • Helps manage and build research capabilities, ensures a culture that is capable of attracting and retaining the best talent, and engages with an organizational culture that values flexibility, resourcefulness, and a global perspective.
  • Stay current on developments in biology and R&D in industry and academia.
  • Ensures timely publication of research papers and maintains association with scientific and professional organizations to enhance the company prestige.
  • The incumbent will be responsible for compliance with applicable GxP regulations.
  • Attendance at applicable regulatory trainings provided by the company.

We seek candidates with the following qualifications:

  •  A Ph.D. in a biological science from a well-respected academic institution is required.
  • Must have a minimum of 10 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in drug discovery and biological research.
  • Requires a thorough understanding of the requirements and processes needed to take a potential drug from early stage drug discovery into full development, in particular through IND filing.
  • Prior experience with small molecule therapies required.
  • Must have a successful track record in drug discovery research and in delivering drug candidates for development.
  • Requires a broad base knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology, bacteriology and microbiology.
  • The incumbent should have participated in the preclinical evaluation of multiple drug candidates and the evaluation of proposed clinical candidates.
  • Must have solid understanding of the complex interface between research and clinical development.
  • Prior experience filing in IND, working with drug regimens/combinations highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success working on distributed project and with outsourcing to CROs highly preferred.
  • The ability to positively interact with the highest levels of research management in small and larger pharmaceutical companies, as well as with external partners and collaborators across academia, industry and other actors of the drug discovery and development landscape.
  • Requires proven organizational, analytical, and leadership skills with the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
  • The ability to present well in an international setting and have the interest and a diplomatic personality that can represent the company to international regulators and partners.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and influence skills. The incumbent should display strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working alliances and teams.

If interested, please email your resume as a Word attachment to us, reference 3910.  No calls or faxes, please. Include your daytime phone number and we will contact you confidentially or reply to your email.

Fairway Consulting Group is included in Hunt Scanlon’s list of Top 50 Healthcare & Life Sciences Search Firms.