Director, In Vitro Pharmacology (Biologics Screening)

Company Description:

Molecular Templates is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of differentiated, targeted, biologic therapeutics. Our proprietary biologic drug platform technology, known as engineered toxin bodies, or ETBs, leverages the resident biology of a genetically engineered form of Shiga-like Toxin A subunit to create novel therapies with potent and differentiated mechanisms of action for cancer and other serious diseases. MTEM currently has multiple clinical-stage ETB candidates in development including MT-5111, TAK-169, and MT-6402. Additional preclinical compounds derived from our ETB platform technology are being advanced toward clinical development. Additional information about Molecular Templates can be obtained at www.mtem.com.

Position Overview:

Molecular Templates is seeking an accomplished and highly motivated Director to join the In Vitro Pharmacology group as part of the research and development (R&D) team. This position will be primarily responsible for improving our screening strategy and process by incorporation of high-throughput techniques and translationally predictive in vitro assays. The Director will contribute to the strategic design of in vitro and in vivo studies and systems to accelerate candidate selection within the R&D pipeline. The Director is expected to work on projects with minimal direct supervision and will be expected to apply good judgment to procedures and choose appropriate approaches to answer outstanding questions. The Director will supervise a group of Scientists and Research Associates and is expected to provide mentorship and guidance both scientifically and towards career growth. The Director may also function as a team lead for target programs.

Job Responsibilities will include:

• Incorporation of high-throughput screening methods within the In Vitro Pharmacology department. This includes both cell-based cytotoxicity screens, flow cytometry and BLI binding assays.
• Based on methods utilized across industry, develop with your team cell-based assays and experimental systems for use at MTEM to interrogate ETB biology that best predict clinical efficacy.
• Effectively communicate high-level biological concepts across departments and to leadership teams.
• Analyze, draw rational conclusions, and synthesize complex data sets for presentation to team members, external partners, and management in a clear and timely manner.
• Function as a thought leader to support strategic goals and execution of functional group and project team needs.
• Maintain knowledge of scientific trends, industry processes and pipeline target literature through readings, conferences, and seminars to contribute to strategic development of novel ETB platforms.
• Document all procedures in an accurate and timely manner.
• Manage projects of significant scope, delegate responsibilities, and be accountable for project timelines.
• Exercise judgment in choosing appropriate experimental approach and in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining desired results to drive projects towards defined goals and milestones.
• Work independently on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
• Independently mentor junior team members and be responsible for direct reports.
• Interface with various departments and serves as internal consultant, as needed. May interface with external CROs and collaborators to deliver on project goals.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by supervisor, as needed.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree with 10+ years of relevant laboratory experience; or PhD in Biochemistry or related field with 7+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in industry R&D, required.
• Experience with high-throughput screening and in vitro characterization of biologic drugs in an industry setting, required.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, cellular pathway analysis, microscopy techniques, and basic flow cytometry, required.
• Demonstrated, documented (or directly observed) success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
• Track record of project leadership in a drug development setting, preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills with knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and statistical analysis software.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills applied to investigations.
• Excellent project management, time management, and multi-tasking skills
• Proven ability to design research projects independently and provide thought-leadership.
• Ability to manage competing priorities or projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to function independently and exercise good judgement, as well as work closely in cross-functional teams to support multiple pre-clinical stage programs.
• Ability to clearly and efficiently document, communicate and present complex data sets.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced, high-growth and team-based work environment.

Reporting Structure:

This position will have supervisory responsibilities. This position reports to the Senior Director of In Vitro Pharmacology, R&D.

Molecular Templates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers competitive salaries and benefits.

Molecular Templates Inc https://mtem.isolvedhire.com