Vice President, Head of Biology

IDEAYA Biosciences (NASDAQ: IDYA) is a public, clinical-stage synthetic lethality-focused precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for patient populations selected using DNA sequencing and other molecular diagnostics. Our approach integrates extensive capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers with small molecule drug discovery to select patient populations most likely to benefit from the therapies we are developing. We are applying these capabilities across multiple classes of precision medicine, including direct targeting of oncogenic pathways and synthetic lethality – which represents an emerging class of precision medicine targets. We believe this diversified approach will enable us to deliver the right medicine to the right patient to drive a more robust clinical response.
 
IDEAYA has an industry leading platform and pipeline in Synthetic Lethality. IDEAYA has established strategic collaborations with Amgen and Pfizer supporting its pipeline programs, and also has wholly-owned or controlled clinical and preclinical programs. For more information, please see www.ideayabio.com.

Position Summary:
IDEAYA seeks an exceptional discovery scientist to lead the Company’s efforts in identifying, evaluating and rapidly translating novel and existing high-value oncology targets from concept into first-in-class small molecule therapeutics for oncology. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise and demonstrated success in designing and leading transdisciplinary, collaborative multi-investigator discovery campaigns.  She or he will lead strategic and operational aspects of multiple projects in parallel; coordinate cross-functional teams ensuring progression to data-driven milestones; and act as a thought leader and scientific resource in oncology across the organization. We are searching for passionate, innovative, and self-motivated individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
A major responsibility of this role includes the biological validation of novel oncology targets and their prosecution into drug discovery programs. The successful candidate will oversee all biological aspects of drug discovery research at IDEAYA.

What you'll do:

• Apply deep knowledge of cancer biology to help develop the overall discovery strategy and lead the Biology team in the elucidation of novel actionable targets
• Oversee IDEAYA’s rapidly evolving discovery portfolio, and recruit, develop and lead talented scientists
• Design and lead project research plans and discovery cascades, related assay development, in vitro proof-of-concept, in vivo translational studies, data analysis, interpretation, reporting, communicating strategy and progress to executive management, Board of Directors and external partners
• Direct the creation of enabling in vitro assays and in vivo models to support target validation and drug discovery, guiding biological and pharmacological experiments in support of program objectives
• Leverage an understanding of molecular pharmacology and screening technologies, mentoring the team in the advancement of new target discoveries into “Hit-to-Lead” activities and downstream identification of potential Development Candidates
• Contribute to regulatory filings, patent applications and manuscripts published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Nurture an entrepreneurial culture that (1) engages colleagues both within the biology unit and beyond, (2) actively seeks, embraces, and successfully applies the best external biomedical research, and (3) possesses a strong drive to win the race to deliver life-changing therapies to patients in need
• Lead by example as a role model with a passionate commitment to cutting edge science coupled with the desire to deliver game-changing new therapies, and to build and bolster the success of her/his team. 

Requirements

• PhD or MD with 10+ years’ experience in Academia or Biotech/Pharma
• Demonstrated track-record of success delivering meaningful scientific and/or drug discovery advances.
• Skilled in rigorous and unbiased pursuit of biological and biochemical mechanisms-of-action 
• Energetic leader of people; motivating and inspiring; collaborative and mentoring
• Capable of fostering a high-performance team that is mission-driven and results-oriented

The Company complies with all laws respecting equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants with regard to any protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, and local law. This position requires you to work onsite at the Company’s facilities, with partial work-from-home flexibility,  and the Company requires that all employees working in its facilities be fully vaccinated (except as required by applicable law). Therefore, this position requires you to be fully vaccinated from COVID-19, subject to reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons, and/or as otherwise required by applicable law. The Company considers you fully vaccinated once 14 days have passed since you received either the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine must have been FDA approved, have emergency use authorization from the FDA, or, for persons fully vaccinated outside of the U.S., be listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization.

Benefits
When you're at IDEAYA, you will be in the midst of brilliant minds working on precision medicine therapies to help cancer patients. We are passionate and committed about being on the forefront of oncology medicine, which means we all have a high internal drive that is at the very core of every person at IDEAYA. We are inquisitive, ask deep questions, and are data-driven innovators who like to collaborate and use team work to move science forward.

IDEAYA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, IDEAYA does not discriminate in hiring or otherwise in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets.

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