Project Team Leader, Biology
About The Position
We are seeking a Project Team Leader to drive oncology drug discovery programs from target validation through IND. This is a pivotal role that sits between hands-on execution and research leadership: you will translate strategic direction into actionable program plans, provide scientific leadership to a small team of scientists, and serve as the biology point person on cross-functional project teams. Our work sits at the intersection of targeted protein degradation and antibody-based delivery, so demonstrated experience across both degrader and ADC modalities is central to this role. You will be the connective tissue between day-to-day execution and research strategy — setting scientific direction, unblocking the team, and keeping programs moving toward the clinic.
Requirements
- PhD in cancer biology, molecular/cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field, with 8+ years or a Master's degree with commensurate experience 12+ years and a demonstrated record of independently leading discovery programs.
- Demonstrated track record advancing oncology discovery programs toward IND.
- Program-level or hands-on experience with targeted protein degradation — e.g., E3 ligase biology, molecular glues and/or PROTACs, ternary complex formation, degradation assays (HiBiT, immunoblot, proteomics).
- Experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) — e.g., target/antigen selection, internalization, linker-payload biology, DAR, bystander effect, and in vitro/in vivo characterization.
- Proven ability to design and interpret in vivo oncology pharmacology studies (xenograft / PDX, PK/PD, efficacy) and to manage CRO-run studies.
- Strong record of cross-functional collaboration across discovery and development.
Nice To Haves
- Experience at the intersection of modalities (e.g., degrader-antibody conjugates or targeted delivery of degraders).
- Experience authoring or contributing to IND packages and interfacing with regulatory, DMPK, and toxicology functions.
- Familiarity with biomarker and translational strategy in oncology.
- Experience mentoring or leading scientists in a matrixed or flat organization spanning multiple sites and time zones.
Responsibilities
- Lead the biology strategy and execution for one or more oncology discovery programs spanning target validation, hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies.
- Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo plans to characterize degrader (molecular glue / PROTAC) and degrader antibody conjugate candidates — including mechanism of action, ternary complex / degradation readouts, antigen selection and internalization, linker-payload and DAR considerations, PK/PD, and efficacy in relevant tumor models.
- Serve as the biology representative on cross-functional project teams, partnering with chemistry, DMPK, toxicology, CMC, and translational functions to advance candidates toward IND.
- Translate high-level research strategy into clear workplans, timelines, and go/no-go criteria; anticipate risks and propose data-driven mitigations.
- Coordinate and oversee in vivo studies end to end, including scoping, CRO selection and management, dosing design, and data integrity.
- Mentor and provide scientific guidance to junior scientists, building ownership and independent decision-making rather than directing execution top-down.
- Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate data and program status to research leadership and the broader organization.
- Contribute to target evaluation, portfolio strategy, and the shaping of new program concepts.
Benefits
- Orum Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
