Principal Scientist, Biology

Pharmacyclics is committed to the development and commercialization of novel therapies intended to improve the quality and duration of life and to resolve serious unmet medical needs for cancer patients. Pharmacyclics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV), a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company. Oncology is a key therapeutic area for AbbVie, with a portfolio consisting of three marketed products and a pipeline containing multiple promising new molecules that are being studied in more than 200 clinical trials for over 20 different types of cancer.

More than 1,200 Pharmacyclics and AbbVie research scientists, clinicians, marketing, operations and corporate professionals work in the San Francisco Bay Area. They combine their expertise in immuno-oncology, stem cells, and cell-signaling with their knowledge of bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and covalent-inhibitor technologies to discover and develop novel cancer treatments. Together, we are striving to outsmart cancer.

To learn more about us, please visit us at http://www.pharmacyclics.com/

We are seeking a Principal Scientist in research biology with a proven track record of accomplishment in directing disease biology research and drug discovery projects. This position is responsible for providing strong scientific leadership to drive novel target identification, small molecule drug discovery, and mechanism-of-action research in the field of hematologic malignancies. Deep expertise in lymphoma/leukemia pathobiology with a focus on tumor-niche interactions is required.

Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities:

• Propose and validate novel therapeutic targets by combining a strong understanding of mechanistic biology of hematological malignancies with human genetics and pathology.
• Conceive, communicate and execute novel multi-disciplinary research strategies that encompass target validation, small molecule drug discovery and early development.
• Design and execute in vitro or ex vivo experiments to determine potency and selectivity of drug candidates using cell lines and primary human cell sources. Lead the development, optimization, and validation of new assays. Utilize technical expertise and available information to troubleshoot and resolve key project hurdles when encountered.
• Perform pharmacology experiments to analyze pharmacodynamic biomarkers and to understand the disease mechanism, drug function and patient selection.
• Effectively direct a group of discovery scientists in generating innovative technical and new target strategies that lead to the discovery of novel oncology therapeutic agents.
• Represent the department on a cross-functional teams (medicinal chemistry, DMPK, pharmacology, safety/toxicology etc.) to establish productive collaborations driving early projects and ensuring execution of a robust screening funnel.
• Develop compelling scientific presentations and reports for internal review meetings and external scientific conferences/journals.
• Actively participate in internal and external scientific meetings by presenting and critically evaluating the science and contributing to projects.
• Direct and carry out multiple scientific endeavors simultaneously, including both basic and translational research to advance our preclinical compounds. Prioritize tasks to ensure project timelines are met.
• Play an active role on the department leadership team, setting and implementing strategy as well as providing strong leadership and mentoring project teams and personnel.
• Some benchwork is required.

Qualifications:

• PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowship in molecular/cell biology, cancer biology, developmental biology, genetics or related discipline with >10 years industry experience in small molecule oncology drug discovery and development.
• A deep understanding of the biology of hematologic malignancies, translational science and current trend in oncology therapeutics.
• Deep expertise and proven scientific leadership in small molecule drug discovery, from target discovery/validation to candidate nomination, with the ability to integrate in vitro and in vivo pharmacology.
• Strong hands-on technical skills in lymphoma/leukemia research. Working experience of in vivo oncology disease models.
• Demonstrated record of creativity and scientific achievements with strong publication and/or patent record.
• Experience in communicating technical information to a broad scientific audience through presentations, and written reports is essential.
• Proven track record in recruiting, building, managing and developing productive and effective research teams with PhD and associate scientists.
• Experience in successful collaborative teamwork in a matrixed environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled