Sr. Director/Head, Pipeline Research

Be Biopharma is looking to hire a Head of Research Pipeline in Genetic Diseases. This is a unique opportunity to build the strategy and lead the team in this critical therapeutic area that is targeted to produce multiple research candidates given the modularity, versatility, and scalability of our platform. This role will have the chance to build a broad, deep research pipeline in Genetic Diseases from concepts to IND with transformative potential to impact patients’ lives. This highly visible leader will spearhead the expansion of our B cell therapeutics platform for genetic diseases and serve as a core member of the Research Scientific Leadership team, making significant contributions to scientific direction and strategy.

Role & Responsibilities: 

• Be responsible for project team leadership and will lead the pipeline teams to enable successful execution of Be Bio’s research pipeline programs.
• Your teams will be responsible for both establishing the core assays by which research candidates, advance research candidates, and development candidates are evaluated and then applying these methods to indication-specific candidates.
• Play an instrumental role in the successive launches of research and early-stage projects in Genetic Diseases.
• Pioneer the design, creation, sourcing, and execution of all necessary capabilities and know-how in a hands-on manner
• Build, coach, develop, and retain a leading team of high-performing B cell genetic engineers (scientists & RAs) that can realize the company’s goals.
• Work closely with the SVP of Pipeline and Nonclinical Development and other technical leads to define research candidates, advance research candidates, and development candidates target profiles (criteria)
• Provide scientific leadership in nonclinical translational pharmacology, external research collaboration, and due diligence.
• Lead the development of R&D grade analytical methods that deeply profile the properties of B cells engineered to produce therapeutic proteins.
• Ultimately responsible for delivery of R&D grade and scale material that meets product candidate specifications for preclinical testing in appropriate models.
• Represent the Company at relevant scientific gatherings, symposia, and conferences, and in other venues such as those related to business development opportunities and platform forums, thereby building its relationships and reputation with key opinion leaders and other important influencers.
• Consistently strives to improve capabilities with cutting edge techniques and tools.

Critical Factors for Success 

• Deep scientific knowledge in genetic disease with demonstrated creativity and problem-solving abilities. Leads by example, not by delegation.
• Scientific Vision & Strategy: Ability to create a compelling vision for the Research Pipeline organization, formulate and implement scientific strategies to drive the organization forward, and establish purpose and direction for research teams.
• Leadership & People Strategy: Ability to lead diverse teams to produce exceptional results in a dynamic, fast-paced, matrixed environment. Deep understanding of research team dynamics/effectiveness. Significant ability to design and build high-performing teams as well as develop future research leaders.
• Entrepreneurial and agility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that is building infrastructure/operating efficiency/capability while delivering significant results on challenging goals and objectives.
• Dealing with Ambiguity: Able to individually and with others carve through situations with unclear answers/solutions or uncertain paths and create positive change/momentum.

Experience, Education, Specialized Knowledge, and Skills: 

• PhD in Genetics, Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Engineering, or equivalent
• 5+ years of outstanding experience in leadership roles and 10+ years of industry experience within biotech or pharma companies that are developing cell and/or gene therapies discovery stage programs.
• Background in biology of bone tissue and direct experience in working on drug discovery and development programs for the treatment of bone-related diseases, highly desirable.
• Demonstrable track record in cell engineering, especially primary human immune cells, using cutting edge genomic editing tools in a drug development environment, highly desirable.
• Expertise in advanced cell culture techniques, including familiarity with large-scale compatible manufacturing techniques and industry best practices.
• Familiarity with cutting edge standards and including analytical methodologies for cell medicine development highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to develop strong, meaningful relationships with internal/external stakeholders, bringing trust, eliminating silos, and being an all-around good company citizen are critical.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high-performing team where collaboration and innovation are essential.
• Consistent publication record in international, peer-reviewed journals with prominence in Genetic Diseases.
• Background in B cell biology/immunology highly desirable.