Company Summary:
Ampersand Biomedicines is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company leading the way in developing multi-specific medicines that direct a wide range of therapeutic molecules to specific cells and biological contexts (www.Ampersand.bio). Ampersand was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB) were conceived and created. With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ampersand cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. We are actively seeking an exceptional in vivo pharmacologist to join our team and make significant contributions to our pioneering work.
Position Summary:
Ampersand is currently seeking an experienced leader with deep expertise in drug development to head our Biology team. The ideal candidate has strong experience in the development of large molecules for therapeutic intervention in multiple disease areas, including immunology and oncology, and has a track record of successfully leading teams in advancing molecules to Candidate Selection. S/he is experienced in the development of cell-based assays that allow for screening and selection of therapeutic molecules of interest. In addition, s/he has demonstrated experience with the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention and the generation of research proposals for program initiation and execution thereof. S/he will be collaborating closely with internal research teams (protein sciences, in vivo pharmacology to advance molecules of high interest at a fast pace. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, goal-driven, individual who is willing to roll up their sleeves and participate as a strategic leader as well as foster a culture of executional excellence. Internally, s/he will work closely with the leadership team on strategic research and development plans; the ability to collaborate closely with the leadership team and other R&D leaders while guiding the Biology team to achieve the company’s objectives is an essential element of the role. Externally, s/he will interface with key industry and academic scientific and clinical opinion leaders as well as business development and collaboration representatives.
S/he will lead by example and inspire with innovative scientific vision and thought leadership, promote productive collaboration, and motivate and challenge the Biology organization to accomplish ambitious goals. Full-time onsite presence is a pre-requisite. S/he will be reporting into the CSO.
Key Responsibilities:
- The Head of Biology will be responsible for leading, managing, growing and developing the Biology team.
- Responsibility for the preclinical development of therapeutic molecules by guiding program co-leads and ensuring timely execution of program strategies.
- Work closely with the Protein Sciences Team and the Translational Medicine Team in evaluating the candidate products in the preclinical stage.
- Ensuring the development of cell-based assays.
- Hands on contributions to the design, direction, execution, and analysis of in vitro studies to screen novel proteins and advance candidates along the developmental pipeline.
- Develop scientific and technical strategy to advance multiple projects in the pipeline.
- Integrate data to provide a detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of therapeutic proteins to enable in vivo correlates of efficacy.
- Identify, initiate, and manage productive collaborations with CROs and academic labs as appropriate to driving projects forward.
- Proactively recognize and develop creative solutions for emerging technical and scientific issues.
- Maintain scientific and technical expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.
- Contribute to building a positive, team-oriented biotech culture.
Qualifications:
- PhD in biochemistry or biological disciplines such as cellular biology, immunology, oncology, or molecular biology, with 10+ years direct pharmaceutical experience beyond postdoctoral work.
- Deep understanding of the drug development process, particularly on the development of large molecules (Biologics).
- A track record in driving therapeutics programs along the developmental pipeline.
- Ability to manage multiple programs and balance a broad set of priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams to drive go/no go decisions.
- Excellent project management skills and the ability to effectively manage CROs and to facilitate interactions with academic labs and companies to ensure project progression.
- Direct experience in supporting IND strategy and documentation, including writing relevant biology sections of INDs.
- Flexibility to dynamically adapt workplans and lead teams through changing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented, dynamic environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills across all levels.
- A pioneering mindset to grow a startup venture.
- Prior experience working in smaller companies is highly preferred.
What We Will Offer you:
- Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
- A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
- Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to significantly impact the quality of life of patients by developing a targeted approach to delivering therapeutic molecules.
- Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.
About Flagship
Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.
Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
