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Head of Lead Discovery

US - Cambridge, MA

Arena BioWorks, located in Cambridge, MA, is a new biomedical research institute focused on uncovering the mechanisms of human disease to identify opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The Institute's private funding model allows Arena to advance novel therapeutics by forming and supporting biotech companies up to the early clinical/series B stage.

Arena BioWorks is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Head of Lead Discovery with extensive drug discovery, assay development, small-molecule hit finding, and biophysics expertise. The successful candidate will have direct-line management of a research team responsible for the design, execution, and interpretation of complex in vitro assays, as well as mechanistic experimentation to advance drug discovery from target concept through lead optimization. The candidate will also work closely with therapeutic-area stakeholders, chemists, protein scientists, and multidisciplinary quantitative scientists to define strategies for target validation, screening, assays/models, and critical studies to advance a diverse portfolio of small-molecule and biologic preclinical candidates. In addition, this role will participate in business-development due diligence and establish strategic internal and external partnerships to drive portfolio development and progression. If you are a highly motivated leader and team player with a proven track record of success in driving pre-clinical drug discovery, we invite you to consider joining our team.
 
Key responsibilities:
  • Develop and support small-molecule hit identification and characterization strategies targeting a diverse set of molecular targets
  • Drive hit/lead finding and lead optimization plans in collaboration with therapeutic-area stakeholders, chemistry, biologics, and multidisciplinary teams
  • Lead the development and implementation of potency, selectivity, and mechanistic assays to characterize molecules targeting diverse targets and areas of biology
  • Lead the design and execution of complex models utilizing physiologically-relevant cellular systems and advanced technologies
  • Serve as a core member in matrixed project teams and governance committees to guide pharmacology strategy and provide scientific and technical leadership
  • Ensure high-quality data generation, analysis, and reporting to project teams, governance bodies, and regulatory agencies, and manage key timelines and milestones
  • Lead and develop a group of PhD and non-PhD researchers, drive scientific innovation, and champion new enabling technologies to enhance functional capability and productivity
  • Collaborate extensively across our network and with external partners to drive pipeline progression toward key milestones
Education:
  • PhD. in enzymology, biochemistry or related discipline and relevant industry experience listed below
Required Experience and Skills:
  • A minimum of 15 years of drug-discovery experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
  • Proficiency in drug-discovery strategies and processes throughout target identification and validation, hit identification, lead optimization, preclinical-candidate selection, and early development
  • Highly skilled in enzymology, biophysics and cellular pharmacology
  • Excellent knowledge in cutting-edge hit finding strategies such as DEL screening, chemoproteomics, chemical biology
  • Experience leading discovery teams, setting strategy & priorities, and managing resources
  • An excellent track record of providing mentorship to direct reports and influencing peers
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment to shape strategy and tactics and drive rapid pipeline progression toward key milestones
  • Solid data science and analytical skills, as well as excellent written and oral communication
  • A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or patent literature
Preferred Experience and Skills:
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and a track record of building innovative biotech companies
  • Prior experience working with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, peptide, biologic, etc.)

 

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