Director, In Vivo Pharmacology

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 Preclinical Pharmacology group as part of the research and development (R&D) team. This position will be primarily responsible for leading the study design and execution of murine PK/PD/efficacy and tox models to support all preclinical programs, with a general oncology and immune-oncology focus. The Director will spearhead the strategic choice of in vivo models to accelerate and inform candidate selection. 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 work on cross-functional teams encompassing members of our R&D, Translational, and Clinical groups to interpret in vivo results and apply them to key decision making. The Director will also have the opportunity to function as a team lead for target programs and can build a small team of direct reports as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the in vivo strategy including identifying models most appropriate for the program target/disease area to evaluate the pharmacodynamic activity of ETB molecules
• Work with the Translational team to perform early investigations into biomarker strategies
• Identify and develop relationships with CROs where the studies will be conducted
• Design studies to interrogate ETB toxicity and the translation of these findings to primate and man
• Work with the 'in vitro' side of the Preclinical Pharmacology group to continuously evaluate and improve our preclinical tissue culture assays to be most predictive of in vivo drug performance
• Effectively communicate high-level biological concepts across departments and to leadership teams
• Analyze, draw rational and appropriate 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 and a portion of the Preclinical Pharmacology budget
• Exercise judgment in choosing appropriate experimental approaches 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 ten (10) years+ of relevant laboratory experience; or PhD in Biology or related field with seven (7) years+ of relevant laboratory experience
• Two (2) years+ of relevant experience in industry R&D, required.
• Experience with murine in vivo PK/PD/efficacy experimentation and strategic design, required
• Experience with developing large molecule protein biologics and in vivo efficacy and toxicity screening/testing, required
• Experience managing in vivo studies through CROs, 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 preclinical 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 Preclinical Pharmacology, R&D.

Molecular Templates celebrates and supports our differences and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.

MTEM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. If you need assistance with your application due to a disability, you may contact us at: careers@mtem.com.

By submitting a resume for consideration, applicants verify that they have read MTEM's Applicant Privacy notice. https://www.mtem.com/privacy-policy

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