Sr. Director, Protein Therapeutics

Position Overview

Leads the activities of a protein therapeutic program in alignment with the corporate strategies.

Works closely with executive management to shape the company's protein therapeutic pipeline, participating strategic planning and pipeline development. Functional head of the protein therapeutic program, directing resources to various teams as needed in a matrix research environment. Directs the research, evaluation, and/or development of protein/peptide conjugates. Conducts and collaborates with others, both internally and externally on the principles and theories of protein-polymer conjugate evaluation and development. Writes and reviews manuscripts for publication. Develops strategies to ensure effective achievement of scientific objectives. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. May develop budgets for capital expenditures and labor. Typically collaborates with other top managers to establish company policies. Makes final decisions on administrative or operational matters. Selects, develops and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.

Consistently works on abstract problems across functional areas of the business. Identifies and evaluates fundamental issues, providing strategy and direction for major functional areas through assessment of intangible variables. Interacts internally and externally with executive-level management requiring negotiation of extremely difficult matters to influence policymaking bodies. Oversees the implementation of established and newly developed technologies in current and future generation products. Directs protein PEGylation, purification and analytical method development. Thorough knowledge of all technical aspects of protein expression, purification and analytical characterization so as to be able to guide the research of the scientific staff. Includes a deep understanding of all types of chromatography for both purification and analysis. Ensures the integration and maximizing of the contribution of science and technologies to the product development process. Oversees the establishment of goals, structured experiments, the analysis and reduction of data, the recommendation and planning of actions to achieve project objectives. Oversees functional teams in the transfer and implementation of science/technology. Ensures cross-functional communication with groups such as formulation development, new product evaluation and other groups to ensure appropriate project support. Maintains a current knowledge of latest technological/scientific trends. Hires and trains staff at appropriate levels of need, coordinate annual reviews, and counsels junior staff on career related subjects. Provides scientific/technical guidance, leadership and decision-making. Provides regular performance feedback, development and coaching to direct reports.

A minimum of a PhD in Biochemistry, Chem Engineering, or Chemistry with 10 years of postdoctoral and industrial experience.is required. Equivalent experience may be accepted. A minimum of 15 years experience in the pharmaceutical or other technology based product research, development or manufacturing industry is required. A minimum of 12 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. Demonstrated knowledge of protein production, purification, characterization, analytical method development and downstream process methodology is expected.Expertise in pharmaceutical research and/or development is a must. Experience in writing scientific and regulatory documents is required. Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques, such as data trend analysis and design of experiments, is highly desirable. 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 and external partners. 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.