About the Role

The Sr. Director of Translational Science, Eye Care will be a leader in helping to develop and build the eye care pipeline at Tarsus. They will be responsible for bringing the biology/pharmacology expertise in defining the translational strategy for pipeline projects. The role bridges the discovery and clinical development organization and aims at supporting projects at the interface between discovery and early clinical development.

Let’s talk about some of the key responsibilities of the role:

• Collaborate with key experts across the company including Clinical Development and Business Development (BD) to drive translational strategy from preclinical development through candidate selection and contribute to translational strategies in early clinical development through early Proof of Concept.
• Establish stage-appropriate project translational strategy for a differentiated asset to address unmet patient need with key “Go/No Go” decision points.
• Design non-clinical experiments to support biomarker strategy, combination strategy as well as overall MOA-related translational questions.
• Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of clinical biomarker results, evaluation of translational hypothesis based on clinical data, and data-driven generation of new hypotheses.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

In vivo translational biology/pharmacology:

• Build and develop deep expertise in disease areas within ophthalmology, which are prioritized by the company. Identify possible mechanisms, disease models, preclinical POC approaches.
• Based on the scientific questions raised in the project, and in accordance with the translational and biomarker plan of the project, propose study designs and sequences (based on actual knowledge and literature review).
• Generate clear, testable translational hypothesis to address unmet needs (mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, patient selection).
• Identify most relevant models, liaise with the best CRO and interact with academic experts to evaluate potential assets.

Translational sciences strategy:

• In collaboration with clinical development, define translational strategy on projects with the objective to guide clinical development: indication identification, patient stratification strategy, combination potential, optimization of dose selection, overall biomarker strategy, etc.
• In partnership with clinical development, build the differentiation strategy for the therapeutic as well as defining the clinical and mechanism of action hypothesis and disease indication selection for early clinical development.
• Contribute to hypothesis-driven study design, execution, and data analysis, including identification of most relevant preclinical and ex vivo models.
• Identify key scientific questions in the projects and builds translation sciences plan according to their priority level.

Due diligence

• Bring scientific expertise to due diligence in collaboration with BD team, identify main risks and mitigation plan in their area of expertise.
• Build open relationships with peers and external partners to ensure best decision making.
• Clearly identify risks and mitigation plans. Ensures team contribution to clinical development plan.

Factors for Success:

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• MD (Ophthalmology) with a minimum 5+ years experience in the pharmaceutical industry or in a venture capital/entrepreneurial environment
• PhD degree in pharmacology, cell biology or related field with 10+ years’ experience and a minimum of 6+ years in the pharmaceutical or industry setting.
• Proven project team leadership or a translational team member role in an industry setting for assets progressing through IND-enabling studies and/or Phase I/II trials.
• Superior knowledge and solid understanding of emerging research, mechanisms of action and disease models in anterior and posterior segment eye care diseases, preclinically and clinically.
• Knowledge of the clinical landscape in ophthalmology indications with good understanding of novel agents and impact to this landscape.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including writing, reviewing, and editing scientific documents.
• Superior interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and positive-influencing abilities.
• Leadership ability to drive decision-making within a multi-disciplinary, matrix teams.
• Ability to demonstrate effective leadership behaviors to ensure effective outcomes, including business agility as well as a curious, open-minded, and solution focused mindset.
• Effective project management skills.
• Independent management of workload and expectations.
• Scientifically independent.
• Enterprise and entrepreneurial mindset.

Preferred experience/background:

• Experience in clinical sciences, including contribution to clinical trials or to observational clinical studies in an academic or industry setting.
• Track record of success and measurable contribution in moving ophthalmology therapeutic programs forward through preclinical and/or clinical development in an academic or industry setting.
• Experience in research and/or development of anterior and/or posterior eye care segment therapies.

A Few Other Details Worth Mentioning:

• The position will be based in our beautiful Irvine office, complete with a courtyard, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. We provide a hybrid work environment. Remote work is an option.
• We are passionate about our culture! Our Tarsans live our values of commitment to patients, empowerment to champion innovation, and teamwork to amplify impact!
• This position reports directly to our Chief Operating Officer
• Some travel may be required – up to 20%

At Tarsus, we understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The expected base pay range for this position is $240,000 - $336,000 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. The base pay range reflects the target range for this position, but individual pay will be determined by additional factors such as job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Our benefits include health, dental and vision insurance benefits to ensure your well-being. We believe in work-life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days. For more details regarding Tarsus benefits, please visit: https://alliantbenefits.cld.bz/Tarsus2023BenSnapshot. 

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