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Full-Time

VP Cell Biology

Posted on 10/1/2024

ProKidney

ProKidney

51-200 employees

Develops cell therapy for chronic kidney disease

Healthcare
Biotechnology

Expert

Morrisville, NC, USA

Category
Computational Biology
Genomics
Public Health
Biology Lab & Research
Biology & Biotech
Required Skills
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on nephrology or kidney-related research required.
  • A minimum of 15 years of postdoctoral experience in cell biology required, with a strong emphasis on renal cell types, pathophysiologic processes of and kidney function preferred.
  • Proven track record of successful project leadership and hands-on experience in cell culture, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering.
  • Expertise in the use of advanced cell characterization techniques, including flow cytometry, microscopy, and molecular biology assays.
  • Experience with in vivo models of kidney disease and regenerative medicine is highly desirable.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Publication record in high-impact scientific journals demonstrating expertise in cell biology and nephrology.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and execution of experiments related to cell isolation, culture, and differentiation, specifically targeting renal cell types.
  • Develop and optimize protocols for the expansion and differentiation of stem cells and progenitor cells into renal cell lineages.
  • Oversee the characterization of cell populations using advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, and microscopy.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and validate in vitro and in vivo models for assessing the efficacy of cell therapies.
  • Drive innovation in cell therapy approaches by integrating the latest scientific advancements in cell biology, nephrology, and tissue engineering.
  • Mentor and supervise junior scientists and research associates, providing guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
  • Prepare and present scientific data at internal meetings, national and international conferences, and for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Contribute to regulatory submissions and agency meetings by providing and presenting scientific data and documentation.
  • Stay current with the latest developments in cell biology, regenerative medicine, and nephrology, and apply this knowledge to drive project success.
  • Provide data supporting the Mechanism of Action from clinical research and work closely with medical affairs to ensure accurate messaging.
  • Work with Regulatory Affairs to ensure that the MOA is clearly and scientifically described according to regulatory standards.
  • Work within regulatory guidelines to ensure that information presented is accurate and forthwright.
  • In collaboration with Regulatory Affairs and Medical Affairs, and Investor Relations finalize how the MOA is communicated across patient, clinician, investors and regulatory groups, and be involved in high-level communications with key stakeholders, such as advisory boards and regulators.

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 many patients currently rely on. ProKidney is in the late stages of clinical trials, and early results indicate that rilparencel may 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

N/A

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

11%

1 year growth

50%

2 year growth

82%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Successful $140 million public and direct offering boosts financial stability and supports ongoing R&D efforts.
  • The potential approval and commercialization of rilparencel could revolutionize CKD treatment and significantly improve patient quality of life.
  • Expansion plans, including a new facility in Greensboro, promise job creation and economic growth.

What critics are saying

  • The biotech sector's inherent volatility, as evidenced by ProKidney's significant stock price fluctuations, could impact financial stability.
  • Dependence on the successful approval and commercialization of rilparencel means any regulatory setbacks could severely affect the company's prospects.

What makes ProKidney unique

  • ProKidney is pioneering a novel cell therapy, rilparencel, specifically targeting CKD, unlike many competitors who focus on broader therapeutic areas.
  • Their focus on delaying or eliminating the need for dialysis offers a unique value proposition in the CKD treatment landscape.
  • ProKidney's late-stage clinical trials and promising early data position it as a frontrunner in CKD cell therapy innovation.