Director/Senior Director, Transcription Factor Drug Discovery

Scorpion Therapeutics is a precision oncology company founded in February 2020 by a preeminent group of scientists from Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital – Keith Flaherty, MD, Gaddy Getz, Ph.D. and Liron Bar-Peled, Ph.D. The company has raised $270M in Series A and Series B financings led by blue-chip investors, including Atlas Venture, Boxer Capital of Tavistock Group, EcoR1 Capital, LLC, Omega Funds, and Vida Venture.

Scorpion Therapeutics’ mission is to serve oncology patients by discovering and developing best-in-class and first-in-class, small molecule cancer medicines that address large patient segments with significant unmet medical needs. To accomplish this mission, we are building a highly collaborative team focused on the pursuit of novel approaches to small molecule drug discovery. This approach relies upon dynamic collaboration between cancer biology, proteomics, informatics, structural biology and medicinal chemistry – with the ultimate goal of realizing the full potential of targeted/precision oncology.

Many transcription factors have long been appreciated as important cancer drivers and targets for novel therapies, but have historically been considered “undruggable” using conventional drug discovery approaches.  Scorpion Therapeutics is utilizing our fully integrated discovery platform to overcome the challenges of targeting transcription factors. 

We are seeking a highly motivated, scientific leader with deep knowledge of cancer biology and transcriptional regulation, and a demonstrated track record of success in target validation and small molecule drug discovery. The successful candidate will enact a leadership role within the department and on multi-disciplinary project teams driving small molecule drug discovery from inception into the clinic. He/she will define the path to drug discovery from target validation through to candidate selection by leveraging internal and external resources. The candidate will be expected to develop strong, collaborative partnerships within the company, with external collaborators, and with CROs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceive, communicate and execute on multi-disciplinary research strategies for elucidating the mechanistic basis of target dependency to inform targeting modality, and identify biomarkers for early patient stratification.
• Lead and mentor a group of Ph.D. and non-Ph.D. scientists and facilitate their contributions to project teams/research collaborations.
• Directly lead small molecule drug discovery programs, working closely with the medicinal chemistry co-lead to design and implement project strategies leading to the identification of high-quality development drug candidates.
• Coordinate research activities and effectively allocate resources between internal staff, external CROs and other external collaborators.
• Keep up to date with the latest scientific advances in technologies and trends in oncology research and development to deliver the next generation of oncology discovery therapies.
• Proactively communicate project strategy, critical issues and recommendations to enable appropriate resource decisions.
• Maintain excellent communication across internal and external team members.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. with a focus on cancer biology, developmental biology, or a closely related area of study
• 8+ years of hands on small molecule drug discovery experience in the oncology therapeutic area in an industry setting.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary project teams through all stages of small molecule discovery including candidate selection with the ability to define strategy and provide leadership.
• Hands-on experience in all aspects of advancing small molecule drugs from hit-finding to candidate selection, with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines including pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, medicinal chemistry, ADME and toxicology.
• Familiarity with cell-based, biochemical and biophysical assay techniques typically used to study transcription factor activity and binding interactions.  Prior academic/research experience in transcription factor drug discovery highly desired.
• Demonstrated success working with external partners.
• Exceptional scientific rigor and commitment to the highest-quality research coupled with experience in high level decision making.
• A highly engaged, self-starter who is creative, innovative, communicative and possesses both a collaborative and goal/results-orientated style.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment, while employing tact, patience, diplomacy and a collaborative spirit.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

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Scorpion Therapeutics Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer who strives to create and maintain a diverse working environment. We do not discriminate for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Beginning October 13, 2021, Scorpion Therapeutics requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are unable to receive the vaccine due to a disability or serious medical condition, or because of your sincerely held religious beliefs, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.