The Director of R&D - Candidate Development for Aspen Neuroscience's Research Department provides scientific and technical leadership to build and lead a team of scientists and research associates that will contribute to Aspen's novel stem cell and cell based therapeutic pipeline. This position will work under the direction of the Sr. Vice President of Research and will assist with documentation and other requirements for IND filing process.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervise and lead scientists involved with the isolation, expansion, differentiation, and general characterization of novel human iPSCs and iPSCs-derived cell types, utilizing among others cell biology, molecular biology, and immunohistochemistry methodologies.
- Provide scientific and intellectual guidance to scientists and research associates reporting into this position, including the staff on the matrix teams focused on contributing critical research data into the ongoing Aspen Research Pipeline Program.
- Build and direct a team whose goal is to define and describe novel stem cell and cell based therapeutic opportunities through creative experimentation, generate proof-of-concept dataset to advance projects.
- Plan, develop and recommend to the SVP of Research adjustments to expenses, capital and personnel requirements for the IND directed efforts and pipeline development.
- Assume shared responsibility for authoring research summary documents for submission to regulatory agencies (INDs, NDAs).
- Work closely with the SVP of Research in establishing and achieving long-term research goals and objectives.
- Provide scientific and research progress reports to SVP of Research and/or Executive Management Team as required.
- Ensure effective communication and teamwork and establish and maintain collaborations with individuals and functional units outside their own group as needed.
- Produce invention disclosure and patent applications that enhance the Company’s intellectual property portfolio.
- Publish papers in highly respected peer-reviewed scientific journals.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- PhD or MD-PhD degree with multi-year experience in cell biology, stem cell biology and/or developmental biology.
- Minimum 8 years biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience in stem cell and cell-based discovery, assay development and product development.
- Relevant experience in managing groups of scientists on a group leader level (direct reports, matrix teams) and with experience of leading research projects as a project leader in a relevant industry is required.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
- Extensive knowledge base in cell biology, stem cell biology and/or developmental biology.
- Knowledge and understanding of IND filing process.
- Experience controlling a department budget.
- Excellent team development skills.
- Qualities of scientific leadership are particularly sought.
- Ability to critically evaluate scientific data required to move projects forward and have strong analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, required.
- Effective in a team environment, able to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and can work independently.
- Proficient with computers and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
EEO and Employment Eligibility
Aspen Neuroscience is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Total Rewards and Culture
Aspen Neuroscience, Inc., located in scenic Torrey Pines, is noted for its collaborative and learning focused culture where each person is valued for contributing their strengths and energy to building a world-class line of products for patients in need. The company offers a competitive total compensation package, time-off in addition to Company observed holidays, Medical/Dental insurance benefits, onsite gym, and other wellness perks.