Scientific Director Oncology – ETCT Innovation

Role Summary

The Extracellular Targeted Cancer Therapeutics (ETCT) Biology Unit within Oncology Research is seeking a Scientific Director for Innovation to lead outward-facing technology and business development initiatives designed to accelerate the build of a targeted biologics portfolio in Oncology. The incumbent will lead cross-functional initiatives to develop the next generation of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and interface with key internal and external business partners to accelerate asset development. Additionally, this position will involve consultation with the business development team to assist the identification and assessment of cutting-edge technologies and potential research collaborations. The successful applicant will have prior experience leading matrix teams with oversight of critical-path chemistry and biology in the preclinical development of ADCs for cancer therapy.

Responsibilities

• Guide the maturation and de-risking of novel therapeutic concepts, specifically antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), through rigorous mechanistic testing in partnership with internal and external business partners.
• Talent scout new technology investments and help build proposals for GSK’s senior leadership for investment.
• Co-lead a team which can collaborate with internal platform groups to deliver success on externally partnered programs and/or technologies.
• Identify new areas for investment at the preclinical research phase, as well as assist scientific due diligence review of in-licensing clinical opportunities with the business development organization.
• Prioritize innovation projects and allocate resources effectively to drive successful outcomes.
• Collaborate with business development teams to establish strategic partnerships and alliances with external organizations, including startups, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, Cellular Biology, or related life science fields with 5+ years post-doctoral training.
• Required: Experience leading cross-functional drug discovery project teams overseeing critical path chemistry and biology to develop novel therapeutic platforms for biologics targets.
• Required: Direct experience developing ADC, and novel chemistry.
• Required: Experience developing and implementing scientific strategies in Oncology or related disciplines with 12 to 24-month planning horizons.
• Required: Experience in progressing ADC from concept to candidate selection and supporting critical path mechanistic biology and/or in vivo translational studies.
• Preferred: 10+ years pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry research and leadership experience in preclinical oncology biologics drug discovery.
• Preferred: Experience establishing scientific relationships in Oncology.
• Preferred: Experience working with business development to perform due diligence on oncology assets.
• Preferred: Strong peer-reviewed publication, public speaking / presentation and/or inventorship record.
• Preferred: The ability to work independently with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Additional Requirements

• On-site presence 2–3 days per week at locations including Stevenage (UK); Zug (Switzerland); Upper Providence, PA; Waltham, MA; or Warsaw (Poland).