Associate Director, Research Biology (Immunology / Translational Medicine)

Position Overview

We are currently seeking a highly motivated Associate Director for our Translational Medicine team in our San Francisco (Mission Bay) office.

This individual will focus on translating in vitro and in vivo mechanistic biology studies into clinical biomarker strategies.

S/he will provide scientific leadership in the strategy, execution and reporting of biomarker studies for further development in a variety of disease areas for candidate drug products from early development (pre-IND) through late stage development (Phase 3 and NDA filings).

The Associate Director will be a core member of cross-functional clinical development teams, and may manage scientists and research associates, and will provide scientific/technical guidance, leadership and decision-making as appropriate.

This individual will collaborate closely with in vitro and in vivo Pharmacology team and the Safety Assessment team to ensure generation of relevant preclinical biomarker data, to support clinical biomarker strategy development. The AD will coordinate with other functional groups to support execution of clinical biomarker strategy as part of clinical development teams.

A strong immunology background is required, with immuno-oncology experience a plus.

The AD should possess knowledge of relevant experimental biology techniques, possibly including: flow cytometry, molecular biology techniques, in vitro binding, biochemical and cell
– based assays, pharmacologic dosing, disease model testing, PK and PK/PD modeling methodologies. The ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate data and its impact on program strategy is essential. Maintains personal expertise in the area of the development of PEGylated drug candidates and relevant therapeutic areas. Experience selecting and managing CROs to support of clinical trials required, with Phase 2 and 3 experience and diagnostics development experience a plus. Maintains effective communication with vendors and Nektar’s internal project team through oral and written correspondence, project status and progress reports. Must have the ability to work in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, fast-paced environment. This position contributes to and supports the company’s research and development efforts to create high value therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

Additional responsibilities:

• Works on complex problems or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.

• Exercises judgment in managing tasks within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques to track and manage timelines, risk, and data quality.

• Ensures that project goals are met and communicates progress internally and externally. 

• Contributes to Functional and Project Goals and Budget that are aligned with Research and Corporate Strategy.

• May contribute to the identification, evaluation and recommendation of new drug concepts and platform expansions. 

• Contributes to the development of Research Strategy and long-range objectives. 

• Identifies bottlenecks and proposes solutions to research management. 

• Regularly interacts with senior management.

• Implements established and newly developed technologies in current and future generation products.

• Evaluates external opportunities. 

• Generates publications and presentations that support Nektar’s business development needs and which communicate the value of Nektar’s platform.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline is required. PhD in immunology, pharmaceutical sciences or closely related scientific discipline highly desired.

Equivalent experience may be accepted.

A minimum of 10+ years’ pharmaceutical industry experience in designing, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting drug development studies is required.

A minimum of 8+ years previous management experience is highly desired.

Must have a proven track record of managing and advancing both groups and projects in a technology-based industry.

Experience in writing scientific and regulatory documents is required.

Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

Project management skills are required.

Requires the ability to change the thinking of or gain acceptance of others in sensitive situations.

Must have a demonstrated ability to work with senior management.

Must be goal-oriented, quality-conscientious, and customer-focused.

Demonstrated ability to develop successful relationships with and influence customers, both internal and external.

Understands how to set expectations and negotiate proper milestones to track progress.

Must have strong negotiation and influencing skills.