VP, Head of Research and Vector Development
We are seeking an exceptional candidate to lead our research and vector engineering efforts to drive the early project pipeline and develop the next generation of transgene delivery vehicles collaborating closely with an experienced team of scientists, reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer.
The Research and Vector Development team is responsible for driving the early stage pipeline in line with the corporate objectives. Core responsibilities include initiation and leadership of projects through IND enabling studies enabled by new and improved technologies for delivery of advanced genetic therapies focused on the development of novel AAV capsids as well as generally ensuring is the team is up to speed with technological innovations.
The position will also be instrumental in driving collaboration with our Business Development team to identify and evaluate external innovation to further enhance our leadership position in gene therapy through external collaborations. He/she will be part of the Research Leadership Team contributing to the research strategy, supporting the whole scope of AAV product development by delivering new technologies and gain better understanding of the AAV capsid biology leading to the development of better gene therapies for the patients.
Key result areas (major duties, accountabilities and responsibilities)
- Site head responsibilities including
- Oversee all aspects of the research teams workflow, operational and resource requirements
- Monitor the departments progress for agreed budgets, resource planning and timelines
- Responsible for ensuring data integrity, collaborating with all Discovery Research Scientists to ensure a pipeline of the highest quality addressing significant unmet medical need for patients.
- Monitor risks, design mitigation strategies and report issues to upper management.
- Provide scientific and strategic leadership for an experienced team of scientists with a focus on neuroscience
- Oversee all aspects of the research teams workflow, operational and resource requirements
- Monitor the departments progress for agreed budgets, resource planning and timelines
- Mentor the team, provide opportunities for personal development and provide exemplary scientific leadership for the company’s AAV research programs to drive forward projects with a sense of urgency to meet the company’s patient focused mission
- Lead continued innovation in payload / cargo design, building inter-departmental collaborations.
- Actively contribute to the process of selecting, prioritizing, and accelerating the development of projects and technologies.
- Lead design, in vitro characterization and in vivo testing of next generation AAV capsids, while also exploring other delivery vehicles using rational design and directed evolution approaches
- Contribute to the discovery, protection, and expansion of our intellectual property portfolio.
- Responsible for ensuring data integrity, within all of Discovery Research to ensure a pipeline of the highest quality addressing significant unmet medical need for patients
- As required, represent the team and activities to senior management, the company’s Board of Directors and as a company expert for external stakeholders in the scientific and investment communities.
- Liaise with Legal, Finance, CMC, Business Development and other internal teams to ensure alignment on company strategy and resources.
- PhD or MD/PhD preferably within a relevant scientific discipline.
- At least 10 years experience in the field of therapeutic drug development, experience in neuroscience and virology an advantage
- A highly motivated, pro-active individual with significant scientific experience in leading, developing, and mentoring a team of scientists with a track record of novel promotor/payload/expression design to advance therapeutically oriented AAV gene therapies.
- Ability to be full time in Amsterdam
- Significant years of proven scientific experience , preferably trained within the field of molecular biology, gene therapy, virology, biochemistry from within both the academic and pharmaceutical setting.
- Enthusiastic, solution driven, can-do attitude incorporating uniQure’s core values for effective operation in an entrepreneurial and science-driven company environment.
- The ability to lead innovation, out of the box thinking to devise innovative scientific exploration, data analysis and interpretation, requiring a sophisticated scientific and business judgement to ensure the prioritization and application of resources in an efficient manner.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills acknowledging the multicultural working environment required to successfully lead and manage activities in a global matrix organisation.