Director, Protein Therapeutics

Position Overview

Nektar has an exciting opportunity available for a senior level Staff Scientist in our Protein Therapeutics group located in our San Francisco office (Mission Bay area).

Directs activities of a protein chemistry group in the research, evaluation from protein production, purification, and characterization as well as development of protein/peptide conjugate chemistries. Conducts and collaborates with others on the principles and theories in protein research, development and evaluation. Writes and reviews manuscripts for publication. Develops strategies to ensure effective achievement of scientific objectives. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects and will coordinate with Therapeutic Area leaders and Department Directors to manage internal and external resources to support projects from initiation to preclinical development. Plays a significant leadership role in the department, serving as a member of the departmental leadership team that is responsible for oversight of departmental scientific strategies, personnel, budgetary and leadership activities. Key liaison with Product Development and Manufacturing (PDM) on development of chemistry and modified proteins. Selects, develops and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function. This position contributes to and supports the company's research and development efforts to create high value therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

• Works on abstract problems across functional areas of the business.
• Identifies and evaluates fundamental issues for major functional areas through assessment of intangible variables.
• Develop and execute strategy within Protein Technology and in alignment with global cross functional stakeholders.
• Interacts internally and externally with executive level management requiring negotiation of extremely difficult matters to influence policymaking bodies.
• Participates in corporate development of methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people.
• Drives the implementation of established and newly developed technologies in current and future generation products.
• Demonstrate a high degree of innovative and conceptual thinking.
• Ensures the integration and maximizing of the contribution of science and technologies to the product development process.
• Directs the establishment of goals, structured experiments, the analysis and reduction of data, the recommendation and planning of actions to achieve project objectives.
• Directs functional teams in the transfer and implementation of science/technology.
• Communicates cross-functionally with groups such as PDM, new product evaluation and other groups to ensure appropriate project support.
• Maintains a current knowledge of latest technological/scientific trends.
• Hires, trains, leads staff at appropriate levels of need, coordinate annual reviews, and mentors junior staff on career related subjects.
• Provides scientific/technical guidance, leadership and decision-making as appropriate.
• Provides regular performance feedback, development and coaching to direct reports.
• Other duties as required.

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree within biochemistry, protein synthesis or Protein modification Chemistry or similar is required. An advanced degree is highly desired. Equivalent experience may be accepted. Experience in protein expression, purification and analysis, particularly LC/MS analysis is required. Additional experience in protein structure/function analyses is strongly desired. A minimum of 13 years' experience in the biopharmaceutical or other technology based product research, development or manufacturing industry is required. A minimum of 10 years previous management experience is required. Must have a proven track record of managing and advancing both groups and projects in a technology based industry. Expertise in biopharmaceutical research and/or development is a must. Understanding of technology transfer to PDM is required. Experience in writing scientific and regulatory documents is required. Proven track-record in generating intellectual property. Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques, such as data trend analysis and design of experiments, is highly desirable. Works independently, responding to changing priorities and short lead times for multiple tasks; able to identify problems and work toward solutions. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. Project management skills are required. Requires the ability to change the thinking of or gain acceptance of others in sensitive situations. Must have a demonstrated ability to work with senior management. A proven ability to develop and manage to a budget is a must. Must be goal-oriented, quality-conscientious, and customer-focused. Good laboratory compliance and safety practices are a must. Demonstrated ability to develop successful relationships with and influence customers, both internal and external. Understands how to set expectations and negotiate proper milestones to track progress. Must have strong negotiation and influencing skills.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Nektar Therapeutics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner proscribed by the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.