Lead, Oncology and Translational Medicine

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Effective communication skills, Oncology

Job Description

Lead, Oncology and Translational Medicine, is a key scientific leader and integral member of the drug discovery team accountable for all translational research related work enabling oncology portfolio.

The successful candidate will work closely within a multifaceted team composed of experienced pharma and biotech veterans along with pioneers in Artificial Intelligence at Atomic AI. This position will be onsite at Atomic AI amid the cultural excitement and scientific vibrancy in the very epicenter of San Francisco’s flourishing, evolving and challenging biopharmaceutical industry. The successful candidate will lead efforts in translational medicine to support ongoing programs to efficiently progress towards the clinic. This position directly reports to and works closely with the CSO. It is essential that this person works collaboratively with Atomic AI team members on solving scientific problems, building capabilities (internally/externally) to plan for enabling discovery and clinical studies. It is essential that this person works closely with the biology leads, and communicates regularly with other leaders, scientists, consultants as well as external line function partners as needed.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of advancing small molecules from discovery to clinical candidate IND filing, with specific focus on oncology drug discovery and development. An openness to new ideas is imperative along with a combination of curiosity and excitement to work with a multi-disciplinary team including computer scientists is required. Experience managing translational biology teams at a CRO are required. A strong working knowledge of drug discovery biology including oncology models and PK/PD, ASME and efficacy models including xenografts, and explant cultures, and experience in developing a clinical path, enabling IND studies, and regulatory filing is required.

Responsibilities:

• Directs and executes translational biology objectives, including program/indication strategy to enable drug discovery and development. Responsible for advancing discovery research into novel cancer therapies, enable novel biomarker and clinical trial strategies.
• Manages specific oncology programs, directly contributes towards program planning, design of experiments, data interpretation, SAR analysis, and program progression.
• Build capabilities related to oncology translational biology either internally or working through external partners. Manage resources efficiently and provide expert advice and mentorship/guidance as needed.
• Act as a thought leader aware of innovative approaches and external competition to strategize on internal oncology programs specifically focusing on mechanisms of response and resistance, combination therapies, biomarkers, patient stratification.
• Enable discovery research and new target ideation through the insights obtained from the translational work including patient data.
• Works collaboratively with Atomic AI’s chemistry, biology, AI/ML teams and CRO partners.
• Influence decisions regarding selection of New Molecular Entity (NME), IND, Early Development Go/No Go and regulatory approvals.
• Establish and maintain strong external partnerships with key opinion leaders.
• Communicates effectively across managerial and drug discovery matrix of disciplines and provide intellectual leadership.
• Supports projects by providing competitive landscape, collaborative opportunities, and technologies.
• Creates an inclusive and inspiring scientific environment, working with the leadership team, to build a diverse and highly productive organization.
• Responsible for prioritizing resources to ensure optimize the budget and deliver on the objectives within defined timelines.
• Leads by example with integrity and work ethic.

Qualifications (About you):

• D. in Biology or biological sciences with strong experience and expertise in drug discovery and development.
• 8+ years of experience in a pharma/biotech industry, with significant experience in leading oncology programs through discovery and early clinical development.
• Strong background in cancer biology, cancer genetics and immunology required.
• In-depth understanding in oncology preclinical studies and models, oncology translational space including patient stratification, biomarkers, clinical planning and early clinical development processes and regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership capabilities in building, developing, motivating, and retaining effective teams that foster productive collaborations so that they deliver exceptional results under critical timelines.
• Demonstrated experience managing scientific collaborations and CRO outsourcing activities.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and partnering skills in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, communication, and interpersonal skills to work within a team setting and with a collaborative mindset.

Salary Range (for all levels): $210,000/year to $250,000/year + equity + benefits

Atomic AI is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, disability, or veteran status.