Institute Group Leader - Biomarkers and pharmacodynamics
MD ANDERSON THERAPEUTICS DISCOVERY DIVISION
Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently – all under the same roof.
The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around four platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology) and the Neurodegeneration Consortium.
The IACS platform is focused on discovering and developing the next generation of small-molecule targeted therapies, driven by the needs we see in our patients. The team aligns world-class drug discovery and development research with the science and clinical care for which MD Anderson is known. We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation’s leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.
As part of the IACS team, the Group Leader for Biomarkers and pharmacodynamics will be responsible for leading a team of scientists that work with our multidisciplinary project teams to provide biomarker expertise in support of preclinical and clinical development of therapeutics. This team will be responsible for the development, preclinical validation and clinical deployment of biomarkers for patient stratification, target engagement, and proof-of-biology. Such assays will be used to refine the selection of preclinical development candidates, and to inform the translational development path for IACS’ assets. The position requires working within a cross-functional team while utilizing state-of-the-art technologies to validate, optimize and translate exploratory biomarkers into informative translational assays that can be applied to preclinical and ultimately clinical samples. The Group Leader will work with biomarker experts and core facilities across MD Anderson, our partners and CROs to seamlessly translate these assays to patient samples as part of planned and ongoing clinical trials. The group will interface with project teams, the in vivo pharmacology and ADME/PK teams to provide preclinical and clinical support for PK/PD/Efficacy studies around IACS’ project. By incorporating biological insights into translatable biomarkers, we seek to advance efficiently, therapeutics under development at IACS, MD Anderson Moon Shots disease teams, and our corporate partners.
By joining the Therapeutics Discovery Division, you have the opportunity to use your talents to make a direct impact on the lives of our patients. We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative individual to become a part of our team. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record of leading Biomarker translation efforts in support of drug optimization, IND filing and clinical implementation, as well as possess excellent communication, collaboration, organization and leadership skills.
KEY FUNCTIONS:
1. Lead the biomarkers and pharmacodynamics groups to implement biomarker development to support patient stratification, target engagement and pathway modulation for IACS’ projects preclinically and in clinical trials.
2. Collaborate with project teams and other functional areas to identify, validate, optimize and implement pharmacodynamic biomarker assays to build preclinical data packages for clinical candidate nomination, IND and regulatory submission and clinical development.
3. Oversee the validation, optimization and implementation of clinic ready pharmacodynamic and patient selection biomarker assays to support clinical development of therapeutics leveraging the most appropriate technological solutions.
4. Deploy biomarker assays for clinical deployment, where necessary making them CLIA compatible when appropriate. Then generate and timely report on clinical PD data.
5. Proactively identify, evaluate and implement novel technologies to support translational activities.
6. Function as biomarker lead by representing the team on project teams.
7. Lead teams of PhD and Associate scientists, leverage MD Anderson Core labs and external resources to make IACS’ drug discovery projects successful.
8. Resource projects in a flexible manner, including efficient use of outsourcing. Proactively build and maintain collaborative relationships and alliances with internal and external partners to drive innovation and create value.
9. Complete the necessary documentation for IND- and other regulatory filing, and for any due diligence or licensing activities.
10. Employ and ensure safe lab practices and maintain research records and laboratory notes.
11. Participate in the R+D Portfolio Management team and influence IACS/TRACTION portfolio strategy.
12. Provide mentorship, professional development, guidance and leadership to a team of dedicated research and associate scientists.
Education
Required: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.
Preferred: PhD, MD or equivalent degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology or related field.
Experience
Required: Nine years experience of relevant research experience in lab.
Preferred: Seven years of relevant research and management experience beyond post-doctoral research maintaining hands-on experience.
1. Strong working knowledge of oncology disease processes and preclinical models.
2. Experience using flow cytometry/immunohistochemistry to measure immune cell activity in tumors.
3. Experience working with mouse models of cancer to assess therapeutic impact on tumor biology.
4. Experience using various methods to characterize and evaluate in vivo target and pathway biology as part of drug discovery efforts. This includes molecular profiling, histopathology, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, non-invasive imaging and the use of blood-based methods.
5. Experience establishing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships in preclinical models.
6. Demonstrated ability for creative thinking and problem solving.
7. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
8. Excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills.
9. Experience in managing of a team of scientists.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
