Biology TL

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Team Lead to join our Biology group and lead discovery programs from target identification through IND submission (0-to-IND) in the neuropathic pain space.

The successful candidate will be responsible for building and leading a cross-functional biology team, driving program strategy, and ensuring the timely progression of novel therapeutics into the clinic. This role requires a deep understanding of pain neurobiology, translational pharmacology, and drug discovery project management.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Lead discovery programs from early target identification and validation through hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies.

• Define and execute biology strategy, including target selection, mechanism of action (MoA) studies, assay cascade design, and translational pharmacology plans.

• Drive go/no-go decisions at key program milestones, integrating data from biology, DMPK, toxicology, and chemistry teams.

• Support IND package preparation, including pharmacology and toxicology study design, biomarker strategy, and regulatory interactions.

Scientific & Technical Leadership

• Identify and validate novel targets in neuropathic pain pathways (e.g., ion channels, GPCRs, neuroinflammatory mediators, or emerging pain targets).

• Design and implement in vitro and in vivo pharmacology models relevant to neuropathic pain (e.g., nerve injury models, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy).

• Oversee assay development and high-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns to identify and characterize lead compounds.

• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry and DMPK teams to drive structure-activity relationship (SAR) and optimize compound properties.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of PhD and/or MS-level scientists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration.

• Manage resource allocation, project timelines, and budgets for the biology team.

• Provide scientific guidance and career development support to team members.

Cross-functional Collaboration & External Engagement

• Partner with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, DMPK, toxicology, and CMC teams to advance programs seamlessly.

• Manage collaborations with academic institutions, CROs, and external partners for specialized studies.

• Represent the biology function in project review meetings, steering committees, and presentations to senior leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.

• 3+ years of post-Ph.D. industry experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company, with a strong track record in drug discovery and development.

• Proven experience leading discovery programs from target identification to IND or clinical candidate nomination.

• Deep expertise in neuropathic pain biology, including familiarity with key pain pathways (e.g., ion channels, neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity) and translational animal models.

• Hands-on experience with assay development, high-throughput screening, and in vivo pharmacology.

• Strong track record of scientific contributions, as demonstrated by publications, patents, or successful program advancements.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making.