Pharmaceutical / Biotech
Research & Development
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Ideal Candidate:
7+ to 10 years of experience
Management Experience Required – No
Minimum Education – Doctoral
This is a technical leadership position within the Protein Optimization Team of Biotechnology Discovery Research with responsibility for identification and evaluation of therapeutic lead molecules, material generation, characterization, and optimization of biotherapeutics as projects progress from target identification to lead optimization and development. In addition to providing technical leadership for projects, the individual will supervise scientists with BS, MS and/or Ph.D. degrees, propose strategies and future directions to meet project and departmental goals, and effectively communicate progress to management and governance committees. This candidate will interact cross-functionally within Biotechnology Discovery Research and Applied Molecular Evolution, as well as the Drug Hunting Teams in different therapeutic areas, Drug Disposition, Regulatory and Bioproduct Development, as projects move from the bench/concept to the clinic.
KEY OBJECTIVES/DELIVERABLES:
Lead reseach efforts that support project teams from concept through Lead Optimization with responsibility for identification of lead therapeutic molecules, material generation and characterization of biopharmaceutical properties using biochemical and biophysical techniques, and implementing molecular engineering strategies to improve drug properties of therapeutic antibodies and proteins. This requires a broad repertoire of skills and knowledge including protein expression, protein purification, physicochemical characterization, as well as a strong understanding of protein engineering concepts.
Drug Hunting Focus: The candidate is expected to exhibit strong problem solving abilities and be familiar with understanding and resolving issues ranging from biology to bioproduct developability. Prior experience with the strategies employed in moving a therapeutic opportunity from a cellular or molecular concept to proof of principle confirmation in humans is seen as an advantage.
Leadership: In advancing the optimization of lead therapeutic molecules, the candidate will be required to lead/co-lead multidisciplinary teams. Accordingly, strong communication and presentation skills in sharing research findings and team plans, and effective team work will be required
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A Ph.D. degree in the biological or chemical sciences
8 to 12 years of experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company with a demonstrated leadership in protein structure function analyses and protein engineering and a track record of advancing biotherapeutics, e.g. therapeutic proteins or antibodies from concept to clinical development.
5-8 years of supervisory experience in directing other scientists, including Ph.D. level senior scientists, in the design and execution of experiments is required
Deep expertise of protein structure and post-translational modifications, and experience using state of the art analytical methods to characterize proteins, as demonstrated by publications or patents.
ADDITIONAL PREFERENCES:
Strong communication and presentation skills, in sharing research findings and team plans, and effective team work will be required.
Appreciation of protein formulation requirements and experience incorporating pharmaceutical developability assessment in protein optimization and candidate identification.
Understanding of the global regulatory requirements to advance biotherapeutics through clinical development.
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, and excellent organizational, communication and presentation skills.
