Senior Immunologist / Associate Director, Discovery Biology
- Scholar Rock Inc.
- Full time
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Posted: November 27, 2021
Company
Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines for the treatment of serious diseases in which signaling by protein growth factors plays a fundamental role.
Our most advanced investigational product candidate, apitegromab (SRK-015), a selective inhibitor of the activation of the growth factor myostatin in skeletal muscle, is in development for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA. Following positive results from the TOPAZ Phase 2 trial in patients with Type 2 and Type 3 SMA, we are planning to advance to a Phase 3 trial by year-end. In addition, we are conducting our DRAGON Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial for SRK-181, a selective inhibitor of latent TGFβ1 activation, in patients with locally advanced and metastatic solid tumors.
By combining our deep structural insights with antibody drug discovery, Scholar Rock is creating a pipeline of novel product candidates with the potential to transform the lives of patients suffering from a wide range of serious diseases, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, and fibrosis.
Summary of Position:
Scholar Rock is seeking an outstanding individual to join our team in discovering and developing novel biologic therapies. You will provide immunology and I/O experience to the Discovery Biology team, lead/co-lead early exploratory and discovery research programs and support late stage and clinical programs in a matrixed organization. This position requires a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with hands-on expertise in taking novel target ideas from exploratory stage to preclinical development . The successful candidate must demonstrate a high level of autonomy, initiative and decision making.
Position Responsibilities:
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- Lead immunology and I/O efforts within Discovery Biology group
- Initiate, manage and lead discovery research programs to identify antibody therapeutics for immunology and immune-oncology related targets
- Support existing TGFb I/O clinical program(s) providing preclinical pharmacology to aid in indication expansion efforts.
- Contribute to defining scientific strategy for new target discovery within immunology and I/O therapeutic areas, including understanding mechanisms of CPI resistance
- Design and execute in vivo pharmacology studies in mouse tumor models using CROs
- Develop and perform assays that support in vivo studies and in vitro screening activities
- Manage and mentor a team of both scientists and research associates
- Work collaboratively with translational scientists to support patient selection strategies and identify biomarker response signatures.
- Communicate overall strategy of the projects to others including senior leadership
- Prepare reports to support regulatory filings
Candidate Requirements:
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- PhD degree in a scientific discipline with 8+ years of experience in drug discovery, including demonstrated leadership of biology and discovery project teams in the biotechnology industry.
- A solid background in cellular and/or molecular immunobiology with experience running and characterizing syngeneic and xenograft mouse tumor models.
- Experience supporting identification of development candidates and a strong record of leading programs to candidate nomination and beyond.
- Comfort with managing and prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong track record of publications in the field.
- Demonstrated prior supervisory experience and strong team leadership skills.
- Detail-oriented as well as being able to see the big picture
- Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. The successful candidate will be able to clearly and effectively present scientific data and concepts to a wide range of audiences both internally and externally.
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.