Head of R&D
Northreach is a recruitment agency that connects businesses with top talent in the cell & gene therapy, fintech, and digital sectors. Our mission is to provide clients and candidates with a seamless and personalised recruitment experience and create a positive work environment that encourages equality, innovation, and professional growth. We have partnered with a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing the field of biomolecular medicine through its peptide-based technology platform.
We are looking for a Head of R&D to join the team, focused on operational and managerial duties, as well as being hands on in the lab. Ideally, we need someone with experience leading a pre-clinical programme through the IND stage and pushing towards clinical stages. This person will initially start on a part time consultancy basis and move full time in the coming months.
Key Responsibilities.
* Take ownership of/lead the design, execution, reporting and interpretation ofin vitro/in vivo experiments.
* Prioritise workload and work for all biology projects, based on plans and company goals.
* Active member of multi-disciplinary project teams taking responsibility for own projects, in collaboration with others.
* Demonstrate clear and effective verbal and written communication with all stakeholders including those who are not scientifically trained in the field. This includes the preparation of reports and explaining plans/risks/benefits as required.
* Keep up to date with scientific and competitive advances in field of expertise and can translate these into research plans. This includes preparing competitive landscape analyses.
* Responsible for the development of project plans and associated budgets.
* Produce high quality scientific analyses, protocols, reports, publications, and create presentations for different stakeholders including the board/investors.
* Collaborate with colleagues (internal and external, one-on-one or in teams depending on the situation) to create high quality output.
* Work proactively, independently and in teams.
* Input into discussions with the leadership team around high level strategy, advising on relevant scientific risks and benefits of a particular course of action.
* Understand and act in accordance with the company goals, and presenting flexibility in actions required.
Skills and Experience
Essential
* PhD in biological/(bio)medical sciences, pharmacology or similar
* Drug discovery/development experience in the industry: > 5 years
* Enthusiastic and self-propelled
* Home Office PIL A/B, in addition preferably PILC or equivalent
* Home office PIL A/B, experience with intravenous drug administration in mice
* Good understanding of the drug development process from discovery to launch
* Proven problem solver with the ability to analyse complex situations and provide clear direction.
* Ability to work in an agile environment and adapt working style to changing requirements
* Experienced in data analysis, including relevant statistical techniques
* Capability to analyse and interpret data in the context of company programs and goals
* Proficient in writing study protocols, reports etc in English
* Experienced in the design and execution of independent research studies
* Broad technical expertise and willing to execute experimental work (approx. 20% of the time)
* Proven capability of working in scientific teams
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Record of scientific publications and/or patents
* Extensive experience in molecular and cell biology techniques including:
* Mouse tissue dissection and processing of cryopreserved and/or paraffin-embedded tissues
* Protein detection techniques including SDS-PAGE/Western blotting & immunohistochemistry/immunocytochemistry
* RNA isolation and (real-time) RT-PCR
* Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
* Mammalian cell culture
Desirable
* Molecular cloning
* Primary culture/iPSC culture
* CRISPR-based gene editing
Northreach is an equal-opportunity employer and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and hiring practices, therefore only partner with business that promote DEI. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.