Associate Director/Director, Nonclinical Sciences

Position Summary:We are seeking to build the therapeutic Research team by recruiting a talented and collaborative Associate Director/Director of Non-Clinical Sciences. Therapeutic Research at Orbital is an essential preclinical Research Department tasked with employing our proprietary platform to build new protein therapeutics. This individual will report to the Head of Toxicology and will be responsible for implementing the in vivo strategy for preclinical programs across Orbital and will design and oversee early toxicology study. The Non-clinical Sciences team will report into this individual. We are searching for an innovative and highly motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate should have a sustained record of being a rigorous scientist and thoughtful people leader.

Responsibilities:The major focus of this position will be the in vivo evaluation of novel mRNA medicines in small and large animals that will support the drug discovery and early development effort. Additional responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

• Develop of new pharmacodynamic and disease models for a broad range of therapeutic areas.
• Work closely with other functional areas and colleagues to ensure that all non-clinical studies are performed in a timely manner and executed at high quality.
• Guiding the operational leadership within the team and the in vivo team members with extensive scientific knowledge.
• Prepare and present scientific presentations and results to management team, and other research team peers.
• Interact with senior management and key opinion leaders.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Pharmacology, Biology, Cancer Biology or related field.
• 9+ years of experience, preferably within the Biotechnology sector. A significant portion must be in vivo experience particularly using large animals like non-human primates.
• Strong in vivo background is essential, including disease model development.
• Extensive understanding of PK/PD assessments in models of disease and experience in designing ex vivo studies to assess pharmacodynamic and target engagement endpoints, is required.
• Experience with selecting and managing contract research organizations (CROs) to support non-clinical development programs.
• The position will require strong scientific and managerial skills and the successful candidate will have proven leadership ability, a strong collaborative style, excellent communication skills, and a publication record in peer reviewed journals.