Hiring company: Gilead
Vice President and Head, Gilead Research Protein Therapeutics
Overview:
Reporting into the Senior Vice President of Research Biology, the Vice President and Head of Protein Therapeutics will set the strategy and provide both strategic and technical oversight for all aspects of Gilead's protein engineering and antibody discovery efforts aimed at identifying and developing novel biotherapeutics from discovery to development candidate nomination across all therapeutic areas.
As the primary voice for Research Protein Therapeutics, this leader will build and maintain strong partnerships and collaborative relationships with senior leadership as well as influence across the Research, Development and Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing (PDM) organizations. The Head of Protein Therapeutics will also represent Gilead Research externally and serve as a key driver and decision maker in business and corporate development opportunities related to protein therapeutic platforms and assets.
The ideal candidate is a creative and innovative scientist with senior-level scientific/technical leadership responsibility for mid-to-large-sized teams; substantial experience in the successful discovery and development of protein therapeutics across many biologic modalities including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates.
The leader will provide scientific guidance and mentorship to department leaders of mass spectrometry, protein sciences, and antibody discovery groups. Work cross-functionally with TA Biology Research, Biomarkers, Nonclinical Safety and Pathobiology, Research Project Management, and CMC Development teams to deliver on a novel, high-quality Research Biologics portfolio.
The leader will manage timelines, milestones, budgets, and objectives for all internal and CRO efforts aimed at protein therapeutics and reagent antibody generation and develop and maintain top talent within the Gilead Research Protein Therapeutics organization.
Capabilities:
- Ability to function and lead in a highly collegial, entrepreneurial environment. Our candidate will have had significant leadership and management responsibilities
- Responsibility for many projects, developing and orchestrating timelines to achieve Gilead's Research portfolio goals and milestones
- A strong understanding and record of accomplishment in directing strategy and content creation to support regulatory approval processes and a demonstrated track record of anticipating and resolving issues before they arise
- Critically evaluate external technologies and innovations to support in-licensing and partnering efforts as well as internal development of new technologies and platforms to stay and the cutting edge of biologics discovery
Qualifications:
- A recognized leader in antibody engineering and protein therapeutics
- Doctorate in biochemistry, immunology, molecular & cell biology or similar field
- 15+ years relevant industry experience in a biopharmaceutical setting with extensive experience in engineering and characterization of protein and antibody variants as clinical leads as well as overseeing and co-leading biologics projects from discovery to the clinic
- Expertise in cell biology and biochemistry to design and implement functional and cell-based assays to support technology development, antibody selections, and mechanistic studies is desirable
- Experience with various display technologies (yeast, phage, mammalian)
- Experience with a diverse range of protein constructs beyond standard antibody platforms
- Experience and knowledge in molecular biology, protein expression, and purification
- Experience and deep-knowledge in analytical characterization of biologics modalities, such as monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and ADCs; from discovery through development
- Demonstrated knowledge of the regulatory requirements for the development and approval of protein therapeutics; and proven track record of delivering research reports to support regulatory submissions (IND/IMPD, information requests, amendments, briefing books, BLA/MAA, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to lead high performing multidisciplinary biologics drug discovery teams, set clear direction and priorities, enabling cross-functional collaboration and empowering people, and developing and mentoring talent
- Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, with enthusiasm for leading in an environment characterized by rigorous scientific and innovative thinking
- Excellent written, and oral organizational skills