Full-Time

VP Cell Biology

Posted on 10/1/2024

ProKidney

ProKidney

51-200 employees

Develops cell therapy for chronic kidney disease

Biotechnology
Healthcare

Senior, Expert

Morrisville, NC, USA

Category
Bioinformatics
Computational Biology
Genomics
Public Health
Biology Lab & Research
Biology & Biotech
Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Regenerative Medicine, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in cell therapy, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical R&D, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Strong background in autologous cell therapy, regenerative medicine, or kidney biology is highly preferred.
  • Proven track record of advancing cell-based therapies from preclinical research into clinical development.
  • Expertise in cell characterization, immunology, and cellular manufacturing processes.
  • Excellent leadership, team-building, and communication skills.
  • Experience working in a highly collaborative, fast-paced startup or biotech environment.
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements for cell therapy development (FDA, EMA) is a plus.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop the R&D team, overseeing all aspects of R&D related to the company’s cell therapy program.
  • Collaborate with senior management and external subject matter experts to define and implement scientific strategies to advance our lead asset into FDA approval and commercialization.
  • Ensure alignment of scientific activities with the company’s overall vision and milestones.
  • Provide scientific expertise in autologous cell therapies, specifically focusing on advanced kidney disease.
  • Lead the design and execution of preclinical studies, including cell biology, molecular biology, and bioengineering aspects.
  • Oversee the development and optimization of cell isolation, expansion, differentiation, and quality control processes.
  • Ensure robust characterization of cell therapies using state-of-the-art technologies (e.g., flow cytometry, transcriptomics, proteomics).
  • Work closely with regulatory affairs to ensure that all R&D activities meet the necessary regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, etc.).
  • Collaborate with clinical teams to design translational studies aimed at understanding the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential.
  • Build, mentor, and manage a team of scientists and researchers.
  • Foster cross-functional collaboration with clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless integration of cell therapy research and development efforts.
  • Collaborate with external partners, including academic collaborators and CROs to advance our programs.
  • Stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in cell biology, regenerative medicine, and kidney disease research.
  • Represent the company in external meetings, conferences, and scientific advisory boards.
  • Drive innovation by identifying new research opportunities and integrating emerging technologies into the R&D pipeline.

ProKidney focuses on treating Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) through a novel cell therapy called rilparencel. This therapy aims to preserve kidney function in patients with advanced CKD, potentially delaying or eliminating the need for dialysis, which is often the only option for these patients. ProKidney is currently in the late stages of clinical trials, with early data indicating that rilparencel could effectively maintain kidney function. Unlike other treatments, ProKidney specifically targets CKD, a condition affecting over 35 million adults in the U.S., and aims to fill a significant gap in available therapies. The company's goal is to provide a groundbreaking treatment that improves the quality of life for CKD patients and reduces their reliance on dialysis.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$559.3M

Headquarters

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Founded

2015

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

24%

1 year growth

40%

2 year growth

112%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • ProKidney raised $140 million to fuel CKD therapeutic breakthroughs.
  • Increased interest in cell therapy enhances ProKidney's market position.
  • Growing biotech-insurance partnerships could improve rilparencel's patient access.

What critics are saying

  • Cancelled Greensboro expansion may harm ProKidney's local reputation.
  • Increased manufacturing expenses could strain ProKidney's financial resources.
  • Volatile stock price may impact investor confidence and future funding.

What makes ProKidney unique

  • ProKidney is pioneering rilparencel, a novel cell therapy for CKD.
  • Rilparencel aims to delay or eliminate the need for dialysis in CKD patients.
  • ProKidney targets an underserved CKD market, offering a groundbreaking treatment option.

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