Preclinical and Translational Director, Oncology

Are you a Preclinical and Translational Director ready to support getting exciting oncology molecules into clinical trials? Our client has just received funding to support this critical stage of our clients' development to implement Oncology Drug Discovery and Translational programmes. The Preclinical Director will report to the VP Oncology and Immuno-Oncology and be a key member of the Oncology team. This role will be a catalyst for change and be a creative and constructive disruptor to business thinking and approach.

We are looking for a dynamic and forward-looking person with high energy, high EQ, strategic thinking capability, and a proven track record in adding tangible value at the individual, team and organisational level.

Key accountabilities:

Drug Discovery - Define and implement robust Drug Discovery programmes to ensure rapid identification of Drug Candidates for novel targets in Oncology.

Mechanism of Action studies - Define and guide in vitro and in vivo studies to understand the mechanism of action of the targets and new chemical and biological drug candidates.

Translational Research - Design and implement translational activities to accompany the Drug Discovery activities in order to support and guide the entry into clinical trials in the most pertinent indications and patient populations.

Leadership and coordination - Ensure effective and efficient leadership of scientists from multiple disciplines in a matrix environment involving both internal and external collaborators.

What you'll do:

• Lead programmes in a matrix environment involving experts in biological sciences, chemistry, safety/toxicology, translational sciences and clinical development
• Devise, lead and implement strategies to facilitate decisions to progress candidate molecules through candidate nomination and preclinical development within timelines and budgets
• Define and drive translational activities to identify and validate pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarkers to accompany drug development
• Regularly report progress and issues with clear strategic recommendations to Senior leadership, Strategic Partners and/or Investors as and when required
• Coordinate with functions to ensure the appropriate resource and experience are supporting the project team at the required time and that assigned resources are effectively utilised
• Interact with clinicians, clinical project managers and KOLs to design preclinical and clinical development studies to facilitate late-stage candidate progression
• Contribute to external collaborative relationships with academic leaders and contract research organisations

What you'll need:

• PhD in biological or chemical sciences with 8+ years industry research experience, preferably in Biotech, or equivalent
• Strong providing overall leadership for late-stage small molecule drug discovery programmes for solid tumours in Oncology, from candidate nomination, through preclinical development, translational and biomarker studies and into clinical trials
• Experience in leading, mentoring and developing the careers of a diverse and talented team, and an ability to build strong and productive relationships with peers and cross functional partners
• Ability to work under pressure, manage projects and deliver to defined timelines ensuring that all studies and documents are completed to support clinical trial applications
• Evidence of creative thinking and problem solving, confidently applying novel strategies to move projects to important decision points quickly and efficiently

What's in it for you:

• The opportunity to shape and lead the Drug Discovery activities and associated practices for an exciting business moving rapidly towards the clinic with novel treatment options for cancer and fibrosis indications
• A genuine invitation to partner with, coach and enhance the leadership of the business
• The ability to work with and grow a diverse team in a fast paced and ambitious environment
• State of the art offices and laboratories at The Westworks, White City
• Competitive reward package including private medical insurance, bonus, pension, and much more

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