Director, Discovery Oncology, Small Molecules

Merck • Boston, MA

5d • $194,100 - $305,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Discovery Oncology is seeking a visionary and driven people leader to discover and advance the next generation of small molecule oncology therapeutics. Join an exceptional team with a rich history of scientific excellence and successful drug discovery. The successful candidate will lead a team at our Boston site focused on small molecule therapeutics, with opportunities to contribute across additional modalities. This leader will partner across the organization to help shape Discovery Oncology strategy and advance our growing pipeline. Working closely with colleagues in chemistry, clinical, translational, and business development functions, this individual will help ensure the effective conception and execution of a portfolio of compelling medicines. The successful candidate will bring a strong record of scientific excellence, late-stage research and IND experience, strategic vision, and inspiring people leadership.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Oncology, Biophysics, Biologics, or a related STEM field with 8+ years of post-degree experience in industry or equivalent OR MS with 10+ years of experience.
• An extensive background in cancer biology. Deep knowledge of intrinsic pathways and key cancer drivers of cancer.
• Evidence of innovative approaches to small molecule design, particularly induced proximity
• A proven track record of advancing well designed investigative new small molecule drugs into the clinic with a focus on patient experience and successful clinical execution.
• Clear experience in late program leadership partnering with regulatory, translational sciences and clinical development to achieve compelling engagement with agencies to initiate and advance investigative drugs. Experience writing IND modules.
• Experience managing a group of senior and junior scientists with a track record of achievements, including project leadership and strategic contributions.
• Ability to build strong relationships within highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to effectively drive drug discovery initiatives.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong communication (oral and written) skills.
• Highly self-motivated and capable of prioritizing deliverables among multiple projects.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates with a large breadth of small molecule experience, including novel approaches.
• Experience with modalities beyond small molecules is beneficial, particularly including small molecule payloads.

Responsibilities

• Be a creative and forward thinking leader to design and execute on the future of our company's Oncology therapeutics, particularly small molecules
• Be a thought leader for the employment of small molecules to create effective, tolerable and combinable medicines that are both first in class and best in class.
• Leverage your deep understanding of cancer biology and the current internal and external oncology landscape to drive decisions on the opportunity of new therapeutics.
• Deliver on milestones key to pipeline advancement such as preclinical candidates and IND filings for first in human studies.
• Be an experienced Program Lead and teach others to become strong Program Leaders.
• Contribute your expertise and vision to business development evaluations of molecules or platforms of interest to our company.
• As a member of the Discovery Oncology Leadership team, meaningfully contribute to the development and execution of strategy and the growth and development of staff.
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability and inclusion.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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