Company
Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company creating a robust pipeline of therapeutics with the potential to transform the lives of patients suffering from serious diseases, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, and fibrosis. Our proprietary platform is rooted in our structural biology insights into the activation of latent growth factor precursors and drives the discovery and development of monoclonal antibodies that locally and selectively target these signaling proteins at the cellular level. By exploiting structural differences in the precursor, or latent forms of growth factors, Scholar Rock intends to avoid the historical dose-limiting safety challenges associated with inhibiting the mature form of growth factors for therapeutic effect.
Our first investigational product candidate, apitegromab (SRK-015), is a selective inhibitor of the activation of latent myostatin. We announced positive 12-month top-line data from the TOPAZ trial in April 2021, demonstrating that apitegromab has the potential to improve motor function in patients with Type 2 and Type 3 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We anticipate initiating a Phase 3 registrational trial by the end of 2021 and are moving steadfast towards our aim of bringing this potential first muscle-directed therapy to patients with SMA
Our second investigational product candidate, SRK-181, is a selective inhibitor of latent TGFβ1 activation being developed to overcome primary resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapies (CPIs), such as anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Although CPIs have transformed the cancer treatment landscape, only approximately 20% of patients respond to treatment. We believe SRK-181 has the potential to meaningfully increase the number of patients who can benefit from CPIs. We are evaluating SRK-181 in the ongoing DRAGON Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial (NCT04291079) evaluating patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. We anticipate initial clinical response and safety data from Part A (dose escalation) portion of the trial by the end of 2021.
We continue to progress our scientific platform and preclinical programs as we apply our structural insights and protein science and antibody expertise to discover antibodies with differentiated therapeutic profiles and develop high-impact medicines for patients suffering from serious diseases.
Summary of Position:
Scholar Rock is seeking a proven leader who is passionate about making a difference for patients suffering from serious diseases. The Scholar Rock platform combines unique structural biology insights with state-of-the-art antibody discovery to achieve unparalleled selectivity leading to differentiated therapeutics against validated targets. The [VP/SVP] Head of Biology will leverage the Scholar Rock platform and contribute to all stages of discovery and early development from target selection to IND and beyond. This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-paced, innovative biotech company and play a central role in delivering value for patients.
Position Responsibilities:
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- Partner with our CSO and biology team to plan and prioritize biology strategy and workflows across our portfolio including our existing and collaborative programs and exploratory programs.
- Help build and advance a high value pipeline leveraging cross-functional interactions between biology, preclinical, translational, and clinical teams. Help drive selection of new targets for antibody programs.
- Work with the clinical team and identify and build clinical concepts and plans for discovery stage programs, including opportunities for differentiation.
- Guide the transition of our research programs into pre-clinical development and beyond.
- Work with research teams to ensure success at the pre-clinical level, not limited to in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, but also considering translation to human disease.
- Interpret, summarize, and present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings
- Create, manage, and track biology budget, timelines, and deliverables.
Candidate Requirements:
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- PhD or MD/PhD with 10+ years of relevant biopharma industry experience in, immune-oncology, immunology, or neuromuscular disease
- Track-record of leading drug discovery programs through to IND and adopting highly innovative approaches to answering complex biological questions
- Strong management and leadership skills and the proven ability to drive innovation and provide vision and direction for the Biology team, the broader R&D organization.
- Exceptional ability to mentor and develop strong contributors. A track record of inspiring and aligning organizations around goals and contributing as an active role model in company values
- Strong motivation, attention to detail, and ability to think independently and fully integrate into a high achieving team environment
- Proven history of building relationships and fostering engagement across multiple stakeholders, including the senior management, operational teams, and business partners
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated success with handling multiple projects coupled with a strong knowledge of the overall development process.
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Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.