Associate Director, in vitro Pharmacology

Deep Genomics • Cambridge, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, in vitro Pharmacology will be responsible for leading the target validation function at Deep Genomics with the goal of advancing our RNA editing therapeutics portfolio. This is a leadership role with the opportunity to make a significant impact on Deep Genomics’ therapeutic pipeline. Success in this role requires the ability to lead strategically, execute tactically, and influence others in a highly matrixed and multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have direct experience in designing, executing and interpreting target validation studies for a variety of liver disease indications. Deep knowledge of a variety of in vitro liver models, relevant functional assays and genome engineering methods is essential. Direct experience with ADAR or other oligonucleotide therapeutics is highly beneficial as is experience with pooled screening approaches and laboratory automation. This role requires leadership from the bench as well as experience supervising junior scientists directly and indirectly. In addition to working closely with the therapeutic program teams, the candidate is expected to work closely with our Target Identification team to translate AI-derived target nominations into a clear action plan leading to go/no-go decisions. As a key member of an early stage discovery team, this individual must demonstrate initiative and ownership in both scientific and strategic decisions and have an entrepreneurial mindset. Ability to pro-actively anticipate needs and independently seek solutions is a key skill, together with effective communication in all directions. This role may lead to the opportunity to manage and mentor direct reports in the future. Please note that the title is commensurate with prior experience.

Requirements

• PhD in biological sciences with 6+ years of post-graduate experience in relevant roles (or equivalent) in in vitro pharmacology for the development of genetic medicines.
• 3+ years building, managing, and leading teams to meet therapeutic program goals.
• Direct, hands-on experience with in vitro models of liver disease and a wide array of functional assays including steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis.
• Direct, hands-on experience with gene editing or oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Proven ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate complex data sets to key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong personal qualities, including attention to detail, emotional intelligence, integrity, creativity, and a willingness to have ideas challenged by team members and to challenge them.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with advanced in vitro liver models e.g. iPSC derived cells, organoids, co-culture systems.
• Prior experience executing studies with contract research organizations.
• Experience planning and writing regulatory packages including IND submissions.
• Understanding of target discovery via human genetics.
• Strong computational background or demonstrated ability to interface with computational biology teams
• Direct experience with ADAR or other oligonucleotide therapeutics is highly beneficial
• Experience with pooled screening approaches and laboratory automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of liver biology target validation from strategy, execution and interpretation, working with direct and indirect reports.
• Serve as the senior liver biology subject matter expert, leading in vitro pharmacology strategy and collaborating closely with the in vivo pharmacology team to advance therapeutic programs.
• Collaborate closely with the Target Identification team on availability, feasibility and predictive power of in vitro models and assays for new targets.
• Present clear, data-driven go/no-go decisions on novel targets.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, personal accountability and interpersonal skills, and capability for mentoring (direct reports and others).
• Analyze, interpret and present data to scientists and management in internal and external venues and publish in peer-reviewed journals as appropriate

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits - including health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and families, employee and family assistance program.
• Flexible work environment - including flexible hours, extended long weekends, holiday shutdown, unlimited personal days.
• Maternity and parental leave top-up coverage, as well as new parent paid time off.
• Focus on learning and growth for all employees - learning and development budget & lunch and learns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree