Head of Translational Medicine (Bedford, MA)

Job summary: (Position is located in Bedford, MA)

The PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center is building a new world-class drug discovery team in the Greater Boston area. We are seeking a highly motivated physician scientist to lead our Translational Medicine Team. This mission of the Translation Medicine Team is to 1) maximize the clinical potential of our recently approved product, BESREMI (ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft); 2) establish the translational strategy and early clinical development plan for our new clinical candidates in the pipeline.  

The successful candidate will have deep expertise in Translational Science and Clinical Development in the Oncology and Immunology disease areas. The position will be responsible for providing scientific rationale and ensuring the generation of data from disease relevant in vitro and in vivo models to inform indication selection and biomarker discovery via both internal efforts and external collaboration. He/she will actively participate in clinical development, working closely with the Clinical Development team to conduct clinical trials with the goal to expand the clinical potential of BESREMI and to develop new best-in-class and first-in-class therapies emerging from our pipeline.  

The Company:

It’s not often you get the chance to make a real impact on the lives of others, while expanding your own possibilities. You’ll find that rare opportunity at PharmaEssentia. Join us, and let’s transform lives, together.

PharmaEssentia Corporation is a rapidly growing biopharmaceutical innovator. We are leveraging deep expertise and proven scientific principles to deliver effective new biologics for challenging diseases in the areas of hematology, oncology and immunology, with one approved product and a diversifying pipeline. We believe in the potential to improve both health and quality of life for patients with limited options today through the combination of rigorous research and innovative thinking.

Founded in 2003 by a team of Taiwanese American executives and renowned scientists from U.S. biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, today we are listed on the Taipei Exchange (TPEx: 6446) and are expanding our global presence with operations in the U.S., Japan, China and Korea, along with a world-class biologics production facility in Taichung.  

Our new research center, PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) , will build upon our invention and discovery-based innovation efforts originally established in Taiwan that led to a transformative advancement for treating polycythemia vera (one of the myeloid proliferative neoplasms). At PIRC, we aim to expand our current expertise in related therapeutic areas and identify novel therapeutic approaches in early to mid-stage discovery and development. Data scientists will leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to inform new target and indication selections. The company is also recruiting for talented scientists who have deep knowledge in immunology, translational science, bioinformatics and biologics platforms to develop novel drugs employing disease-driving biology, novel technology in protein engineering, antibody discovery and new modalities.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Translational Medicine Team and collaborate with Discovery and Clinical Development groups, driving translational studies in the preclinical and clinical stages.
• Develop a robust rationale based on scientific and clinical data, aligning with commercial analysis, and strategic fit for BESREMi’s clinical expansion and future pipeline products.
• Partner with clinical teams to design clinical studies and develop protocols as well as to execute the clinical trials for selected studies.
• Collaborate with Pharmacology team for in vitro and in vivo studies in supporting disease rationale and biomarker strategy.
• Establish and maintain a productive translational lab for drug discovery and development efforts, setting the gold standard for data quality and experimental precision .
• Collaborate with the Data Science Team, infusing insights into indication finding and biomarker strategy.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging science and clinical data to provide critical project assessments.
• Provide scientific expertise, establish, and manage external scientific and clinical collaborations.
• Evaluate external opportunities and champion the evaluation team, working closely with the Business Development group.
• Foster a vibrant culture of employee growth and development.

Essential Qualifications:

• MD or MD/PhD with at least 10 years of drug development and clinical research experience in Oncology or Immunology disease areas.  
• A strong PhD candidate with significant experience in clinical trials will be considered.
• Profound expertise in conducting translational studies, designing clinical trials, and a strong track record in clinical plan development .
• Demonstrated proficiency in translational studies, biomarker identification, PK/PD, and in vitro/in vivo disease models.
• Deep knowledge in mechanistic studies relevant to immune-driving human diseases.
• Cutting edge and deep expertise in the Oncology and Immunology areas, relevant to new drug discovery and development.
• Modern knowledge of drug discovery process, leveraging data analysis from genetics, -omics studies and from patient data.
• Strong record of publications in peer reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in hematological malignancies is desirable.
• Direct experience in clinical design and operations is preferred.
• Previous involvement in leading drug discovery projects in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry is a plus.
• Proficiency in data analysis using RWD, transcriptomics data, and AI/ML technology is desirable .
• Recognized as an outstanding scientist, subject matter expert and innovator in the field.
• Proven track record of impactful contributions to projects .
• Seasoned manager and leader, exercising foresight and judgment in complex project management .
• Agility in adapting to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex strategies .
• Hands-on experience in in vivo models of Oncology and Immunology

• Broad experience with immunological and molecular techniques including multicolor flow cytometry analysis and IHC. Problem-solving orientation and strong multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work with extensive datasets and conduct bioinformatic analyses.

Benefits of working with our team:

PharmaEssentia USA strives every day to improve the lives of patients as well as our employees.  

As a valued member of PharmaEssentia USA, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Dental and vision coverage
• Generous paid time-off
• 401(k) retirement plan with competitive company match
• Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Up to $150 monthly cell phone allowance
• Employee Assistance Program

EEO Statement:

At PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. PIRC believes that diversity and inclusion among our team are critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.  PIRC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Staffing agencies should not send resumes to our HR team or to any PIRC employees. PIRC is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies.