Associate Director, Research Biology (In Vivo Pharmacology)

Position Overview

Nektar has an exciting opportunity for an Associate Director, Research Biology (In Vivo Pharmacology) to join their team.

Directs and manages In Vivo Pharmacology function team in projects from Concept to Discovery to IND-enabling stages through the Research to Development transition. Actively contributes in and understands matrix environment as a Function team leader and as a Pharmacology representative in Project teams. Ensures that project goals are met and communicates progress internally and externally. Will supervise a group of scientists whose role is to characterize drug candidates in Nektar's pipeline, possibly through regulatory filings and clinical development. These group activities include in vivo and ex vivo characterization of drug candidates pharmacodynamic properties in naïve and tumor bearing mice. Will be responsible for close interaction with nonclinical DMPK group supporting studies on PK, bioavailability, drug clearance. Provides career development opportunities to direct reports. Effectively interacts with employees located at other geographical locations. Prepares Goals and supports budgeting for In Vivo Pharmacology functional group in alignment with Research and Corporate Strategy. May manage external in vivo pharmacology studies at CROs or with academic collaborators. Monitors achievement of In Vivo Pharmacology function group goals across Concept and Discovery phase projects. Contributes to the identification, evaluation and recommendation of new drug concepts and platform expansions. Maintains personal expertise in the area of the development of PEGylated drug candidates and relevant therapeutic areas. Contributes to the development of Research Strategy and long-range objectives. Coordinates closely with other Research supporting functional groups, such as Protein Chemistry, Translational Research, nonclinical DMPK and Drug Safety Assessment. Identifies bottlenecks and proposes solutions to research management. May support evaluation of external business opportunities. Generates publications and presentations that support Nektar's business development needs and which communicate the value of Nektar's platform. 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 complex problems or data that requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. Implements strategic policies when selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Establishes and assures adherence to budgets, schedule, work plans, and performance requirements. Exercises judgment in managing tasks within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques to track and manage timelines, risk, and data quality. Maintains effective communication with vendors and Nektar's internal Project teams through oral and written correspondence, project status and progress reports. Ensures research planning, schedules and performance requirements are met. Regularly interacts with senior management. Implements established and newly developed technologies in current and future generation products. Integrates and maximizes the contribution of science and technologies to the product development process. Establishes goals, structures experiments, analyzes and reduces data, recommends and plans actions to achieve project objectives. Works in conjunction with other functional teams in Research to transfer and implement science/technology. Communicates cross-functionally with groups within and outside of Research to ensure appropriate project support. Maintains a current knowledge of latest technological/scientific trends in immunology drug development. Hires and trains staff at appropriate levels of need, coordinates annual reviews, and counsels 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 assigned.

Advanced degree in immunology or other relevant biology discipline is required. Exceptional candidates with Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline may be considered. Immuno-oncology in vivo pharmacology experience highly desirable. A minimum of 10 years' experience in the pharmaceutical or other technology-based product research, development or manufacturing industry is required with strong emphasis in rodent in vivo pharmacology with substantial hands-on prior experience. Strong understanding of animal studies regulatory requirements and methodology in AAALAC accredited environment in required. A minimum of 8+ 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 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. Must be goal-oriented, quality-conscientious, and customer-focused. Good laboratory compliance and safety practices are a must. Understands how to set expectations and negotiate proper milestones to track progress. Must have strong negotiation and influencing skills.

Performance of tasks essential to the job function may require the employee to work directly with, handle, or otherwise come into contact with chemicals or pharmaceutical agents. Employees may be required to enroll in a medical surveillance program based on the potential exposure to certain health hazards encountered as a result of their job function.

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.