Preclinical R&D Lead - growing biotech

Your new company
Hays Life Sciences have partnered with an innovative synthetic biology company dedicated to revolutionising drug delivery. Their cutting-edge technology utilises novel approaches to deliver therapeutic payloads with ultra-high precision. This breakthrough approach aims to transform how biological medicines are administered, offering targeted and efficient solutions.With recent investments, they are at a pivotal stage of growth. Joining their team now means contributing to the clinical application of the technology and shaping its future impact.Their leadership team comprises experts with extensive experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, supported by a network of seasoned advisors.


Your new role
You will be part of a dynamic team of scientists, working collaboratively on a variety of R&D projects to further develop the company's technology, reporting into the senior leadership of the company.As part of the preclinical team, this role will work across in-vitro and in-vivo development, overseeing both in-house and outsourced work, eg at CRO or industry partners.
Joining as a senior member of the team you will have a strong input into both research strategy and technical work, with the potential to take on leadership/management of a small group of scientists for the right person. As this is a small biotech there is a strong bench work element to this role.
Major responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Act as an expert - both in terms of technical input and wider scientific strategy - on biologics development for multiple therapy areas, including immunology, oncology and inflammation.
• Lead the set-up and development of in-vitro and in-vivo experiments, protocols and processes
• Investigate the mechanism of action of novel therapeutics using complex in vitro models
• Lead a team of biologists, providing scientific leadership and technical expertise across various assay systems from early discovery work through to translational
• Identify key areas for internal growth and external partnership and lead initiatives on this, eg hiring new staff
• Collaborate with internal teams, eg on process development and optimisation
• Manage external work done by CROs or collaborators/partners in academia or industry, including managing timelines and milestones
• Novel target identification across multiple diseases, coupled with the development of new approaches to further build the company's pipeline
• Biomarker discovery and development

What you'll need to succeed

• An advanced degree (PhD preferred) or equivalent experience in biology / immunology / biochemistry or a similar field
• Strong track record of developing and conducting both in-vitro and in-vivo projects for target ID and validation, preferably within the large molecule / biologics space (eg for antibody therapeutics)
• Significant experience with a variety of biochemical techniques and assays, ideally within a drug discovery environment, eg flow cytometry, immunoassays, cell based assays, microscopy, IHC, etc
• A deep knowledge of protein-based therapeutics, with experience of working on these across the entire discovery and early development/preclinical lifecycle a distinct advantage
• Experience working with CROs and/or managing external collaborations with partners in academia or industry
• Passion for the work and an aptitude for problem solving
• Strong communication skills, as you will be working closely in a tight-knit cross-functional team
• A flexible approach, with the ability to manage concurrent projects/workstreams with competing timelines

Experience of the following would be an advantage for this role but are not required:

• Supervising or managing staff (either direct line management or in a matrix set-up
• Exposure to supporting IND filings, eg by putting together relevant study documents
• Knowledge of ADME/Tox work

What you'll get in return
The chance to work on a range of cutting edge projects for a really exciting company, as well as the ability to directly influence the discovery and development of therapies that will make a real difference to patients.You'll be joining the company as they go into their next growth phase, so there will be chances to further develop your skills and career and directly input into research strategy, especially as you will be working directly with the C-suite leaders of the company.


What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call me on 0203 465 0057.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career, especially as there are a number of other bioinformatics, data science and statistics positions available.

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