Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated drug discovery leader to join our growing fungal biology team located in Cambridge, MA. The ideal candidate will have made substantial contributions to the identification of new targets and drug discovery/translational research efforts in the anti-fungal therapeutic area including involvement in strategic decisions and significant assay and in vivo model development experience. Expertise in the pathogenesis and treatment landscape for fungal diseases (eg. aspergillosis, candidiasis, or cryptococcus), is a plus.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead a team of research scientists in a matrixed environment to develop and optimize relevant fungal cell-based assays to identify and characterize bioactive molecules
- Develop and execute assays to evaluate drug activity, mechanism and translatability; design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments; accurately record, analyze, and present data to project team and company leadership
- Provide strategic input on LifeMine’s anti-fungal drug target selection, evaluation and prioritization process
- Drive the drug discovery process through preclinical development, clinical candidate selection through to IND filing for anti-fungal drugs
- Collaborate across functional teams to efficiently identify drug candidates, establish PK/PD/efficacy relationship and translational biomarker strategy to advance them to the clinic
- Drive key relationships with external collaborators and CROs to support internal research goals
Job Requirements
- PhD with 7+ years of relevant industry experience and leadership experience in Fungal Biology/Genetics or related subject area with hands-on experience in culturing and manipulating fungi
- Highly prefer at least 8+ years drug discovery experience
- You have a demonstrated track record of providing significant biological insights and leadership to drug discovery efforts in a biopharma setting
- You are experienced in antifungal drug discovery with proven experience in the utility of in vitro assay systems and whole animal models
- You are familiar with Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) assay protocols for anti-fungal testing
- You have experience developing and executing medium to high-throughput mechanistic and in vitro/ex vivo functional assays to interrogate single agent activity as well as synergistic drug/compound combinations that enhance the efficacy of current antifungal interventions
- You have expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques, co-culture systems, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, qPCR, Western blotting, and microscopy
- You are dedicated to establishing a culture of mutual support, cross-training, clear communication, continuous learning and self-organization to meet project and functional goals
- You thrive in a dynamic, inclusive environment that gives you full accountability for your own contributions and career development