About the role
Due to the expansion of our preclinical R&D capabilities, Acepodia are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Director with strong leadership and communication skills to lead our preclinical R&D team. In this role, you will play an important role in shaping the discovery R&D strategy and in expanding the cell therapy scope of Acepodia´s proprietary. In addition to providing leadership and guidance to the preclinical R&D team, you are also expected to collaborate effectively with leaders across all cell therapy areas to advance pipeline projects.
This position will work closely with the CMC/Clinical team to design and implement Acepodia’s research strategy. Importantly, he/she will be a member of cross functional teams with a mission to build and support preclinical cell therapy discovery and development programs all the way from concept through to IND submission in alignment with Acepodia’s strategy and goal.
Education / Background
Ph.D. or M.D. equivalent degree in a relevant life science discipline with extensive experience and deep knowledge of immune cell therapy and related diseases.
More than 7 years of cellular and/or immune-oncology research experience in a biotech/pharmaceutical or academic setting, drug discovery experience preferred. 5 years or above experience in research team management.
Convert a though understanding of immune cell biology to cell therapy product concepts for treating hematological and solid cancers.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to
- Lead a talented group of scientific and technical professionals dedicated to target validation, development candidate selection, and related activities in immune cell therapy discovery.
- Provide strong strategic and scientific leadership in the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of a broad range of in vitro, in vivo experiments for cell therapy discovery and to elucidate mechanism of action.
- Leverage a deep understanding of cellular immunology to drive functional characterization of immune cell therapy products through critical program validation process toward a goal of 1 IND per year (at minimum).
- Contribute across all stages of research and development, from target identification through development stages and filings, to translational studies and correlative analysis on clinical samples to inform next-generation clinical opportunities.
- Create improved understanding of our products through correlative study planning, data analytics, and hypothesis testing to best inform clinical development, mechanisms of response/relapse/resistance, and novel product strategies.
- Contribute with a strong voice to help define and drive the strategic direction of research within the company’s oncology business unit.
- Establish and leverage robust cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders across and beyond research in support of program goals.
- Work closely with CMC and clinical development groups and other functional areas to drive cell therapy development efficiently and effectively.
- Effectively identify, develop, and manage external collaborators (e.g. academic, industrial partners, and CROs).
- Critically analyze and interpret data, and effectively document and communicate results to diverse audiences and stakeholders, internally and externally.
- Work closely with leaders across the company to plan and execute the R&D strategy, evaluate new target opportunities, and initiate additional pipeline programs.
- Manage a portfolio of targets, oversee strategic execution of cell therapy preclinical development activities to enable robust, timely and compliant with regulatory requirements, and with clear development paths.
- Support evaluation of in-/out-licensing opportunities.
- Provide support to Acepodia’s intellectual property strategy and patent portfolio.
- Lead, manage, develop, and retain a high-performance team focused on developing new class of cell therapies.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, discovery, and cutting-edge research culture focused on scientific excellence, open communication, and continual improvement.
- Provide career development opportunities and mentoring to the team.
Position Requirements, Relevant Skills & Experience:
- 7+ years' experience and expertise in research team leadership and employee development, with minimum of 5 years serving as the head of an R&D function.
- Able to lead from the bench. Well versed in a wide array of laboratory techniques and experienced in their use. Strong publication record from graduate and post-doctoral work is expected.
- Significant scientific accomplishment as evidenced by developed products or core contribution to publications
- Strong scientific track record demonstrating well-organized design and execution of immuno-oncology studies
- Broad theoretical and practical knowledge of immune cell biology and cancer biology
- An excellent track record of communicating scientific concepts and strategies effectively including publications by multiple peer reviewed publications and co-inventorship on patents.
- Experience in managing and motivating functional or cross-functional research groups.
- Excellent organizational skills, multi-tasking abilities, problem-solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work productively with multiple parties at all different levels.
- An ability to be productive and successful in an intense work environment.
- Experience leading new drug/cell therapy discovery project teams from target validation to late-stage clinical studies.
- Extensive knowledge in all disciplines relevant to cell therapy or drug discovery.
- Working knowledge of and participation in CMC-related activities.
- Understanding of the current competitive and regulatory landscape for cell therapies and cancer diseases.
- Experience in managing a portfolio of research and development projects across multiple areas.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal and oral and written communication skills with an enthusiasm for participating in a fast-paced environment characterized by rigorous science and innovative thinking.
- Familiarity with engaging and managing external efforts with contract research organizations and academic collaborators.
- Comfortable in a results-driven, highly accountable environment where you can make a clear impact.
- Experience and demonstrated success in recruiting, building, managing, and developing a team of high-performing, multi-disciplinary scientists across multiple levels.
- Fluent communication in English.[LS1]
- Familiar with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Docs and Sheets
- Enable to use cloud storage and co-editing document online.
Acepodia is an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive salary and comprehensive package, including stock options, medical care, paid vacation, and holiday time. Title and salary commensurate with experience.
Department：Research Development
Location： Taipei, Taiwan Alameda, CA, USA
Job Type： Full-time
Reports to：
CEO
