Associate Director, Discovery Biology

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Job description

Position Summary

The Associate Director (AD)/Director of Discovery Biology is first and foremost a biologist with a deep understanding of immunology and experience in the discovery and application of antibodies for therapeutic purposes.

This leader supports key activities for the discovery and leadership of novel antibody programs, including managing the application of essential biology assays and the application of AnaptysBio's proprietary in-vitro somatic hypermutation technology to generate new assets to sustain the company's inflammation and immuno-oncology drug portfolio. He/she will contribute to the preparation of documentation required for regulatory submissions, including INDs, as needed.

The Discovery Biology Department works together with other departments to actively contribute to the identification, selection and risk evaluation of new targets to sustain the company's antibody discovery pipeline. There will be ample opportunities for the AD Discovery Biology to identify new target biology relevant to unmet medical needs associated with inflammation and immuno-oncology.

Essential Functions

• Evaluates, resources and leads early discovery projects, including novel identification of targets, feasibility assessments, immunization strategies, designing of assays to identify lead antibody candidates, application of AnaptysBio proprietary technology for affinity maturation, and identification of drug candidate monoclonal antibodies, in conjunction with other departments within the company.
• Works closely with external research collaborators and contractors for preclinical and clinical discovery efforts.
• Represents discovery projects at management meetings as well to external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with Project Management to develop timelines and budgets, and ensure that tasks are completed appropriately - establishing and monitoring measurable research milestones.
• Fully participates in the planning and preparation of documentation sections required for regulatory filings (e.g. INDs).

Supervisory Responsibilities

Hire, lead, and develop Discovery Biology staff, including the supervision of numerous Ph.D level scientists and Research Associates.

Knowledge and Competencies

• Ability to effectively design, execute, and troubleshoot experimental protocols to develop new methodologies.
• Current working scientific knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology with an expert understanding of antibodies.
• Extensive knowledge of mammalian cell culture, including standard cell biology techniques and, working knowledge of cellular signaling and ELISA assays.
• Current knowledge of the design and implementation of multi-color flow cytometry-based screening experiments.
• Familiarity with preclinical models of inflammation, autoimmune disease and immune-oncology.
• Familiarity with database searches.
• Experience in developing fit-for purpose biomarker/bioanalytical assays.
• Experience in development of quantitative analytical bioassays to select lead antibody candidates.
• Ability to identify and implement (where and when appropriate) new technologies to enhance the activity of the department.
• Must be able to manage assay development and analysis queues and timelines.
• Knowledge of drug discovery process and pharmacology is essential.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus in order to read.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, typically in an open office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be required to travel by plane or car.

This position requires working with biological and/or chemical hazards.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences, with extensive industry experience in Life Sciences - at least 10+ years of relevant, direct experience in preclinical clinical development up to Phase 1 clinical studies.
• Proven scientific background with experience in inflammation and immunology.
• Proven track record in preclinical drug discovery project leadership that includes contributions to projects that have reached early clinical development.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.