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The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Biology Lead

Posted on Dec. 19, 2024

Bundoora, Australia
0 - 0 USD (yearly)

Full Time

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Job Title

Biology Lead

Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for a Biology Lead role to lead our biology research program at ACTT. We are seeking a motivated and talented individual to drive forward our targeted protein degrader (TPD) programs and platform.

This key leadership role will drive the design and execution of the biology research strategy, guiding cross-functional teams to advance our drug discovery pipeline and foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in preclinical drug development, with expertise in cellular and molecular biology, disease modeling, experimental design and the ability to translate scientific insights into therapeutic solutions.

ACTT’s vision is to transform the lives of cancer patients through a new class of medicines that unlock previously ‘undruggable’ targets. Located at WEHI’s Bundoora Biotech Centre, ACTT focuses on the development of new targeted protein degraders against validated cancer-driving proteins with an initial focus on cancers with high-mortality rates.

Key Selection Criteria

Leadership and Strategy:

Responsible for the design and execution of the biology research programs across multiple preclinical programs, ensuring alignment with overall company goals and strategy.
Lead and mentor staff to carry out the biology research program and provide leadership to project teams through a matrix structure.
Play a key role in developing and advancing ACTT’s vision and strategy by driving the target selection process, working closely with other members of the ACTT Executive to prioritise high-impact programs based on unmet medical needs, market differentiation, published scientific and clinical data, relevance of animal models and clinical trial feasibility.
Identify and manage relationships with third parties including academic partners, clinicians and consumers in specified disease areas.

Drug Discovery and Development:

Develop preliminary target product profiles and help align preclinical research and development activities to the clinical endpoint.
Oversee and ensure the successful execution of in vitro and in vivo studies to support lead discovery and optimisation.
Ensure robust preclinical development programs, including biomarker identification and validation, ADME/PK, DMPK and toxicology studies to support IND filings.

Innovation and Scientific Excellence:

Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in the field of drug discovery and biology, ensuring that the company maintains cutting-edge capabilities in target biology, assay development, and disease modelling.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work closely with other stream leads to align research activities with company objectives, manage project resources, budgets and timelines.
Communicate findings and strategic goals to the executive team, board members and external stakeholders, including partners and investors.

Team Development and Talent Management:

Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to staff to foster professional growth and development.

Qualifications:

Education: PhD in Biology or a relevant field

Experience:

5+ years of experience in drug discovery and development, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
Proven track record in leading and advancing preclinical biology research in a drug development environment.
Strong expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and in vivo disease models, with protein degrader experience highly desirable.
Experience with small molecules is highly desirable

Leadership Skills:

Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire teams.
Strong project management and organisational skills with a history of successfully advancing drug candidates through the development pipeline.

Scientific Acumen:

Broad knowledge of relevant disease areas and mechanisms of action for therapeutic intervention.
Familiarity with cutting-edge research techniques, including CRISPR, gene editing, and high-throughput screening technologies.

Communication:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including the executive team, Board members and external stakeholders.

Industry Knowledge:

Deep understanding of the drug development process, including regulatory requirements and preclinical models in an industry setting.

Personal Attributes:

Highly collaborative, able to work across diverse teams in a matrix organisation to achieve common goals.
Strong problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach.
Strong project and time management skills to lead multiple tasks and projects simultaneously with varying timeframes and within budget

Terms of Appointment
This position is available for a fixed term until 30 Mar 2026 in a full-time capacity. Salary is Research Employee Level C1-C6 ($139,851 – $161,255). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available Location is the WEHI Biotech Centre, Bundoora

General enquiries can be directed to Dianna McKiernan -

mckiernan.d@wehi.edu.au

A position description is available

here

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the Job Description in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: 17 January 2025

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