Corporate Strategy & Drug Development Job Description
Job Title: Corporate Strategy & Drug Development
Level: Director
Reports To: CEO and Chief Operating Officer
Online Application Link: HERE
Sparian Overview:
Sparian Biosciences is a forward-thinking CNS-focused biopharmaceutical company founded in 2018. Our mission is to develop novel and highly innovative therapeutics to address significant unmet medical and public health needs. Presently, we are advancing four distinct programs targeting pain and substance use disorders. These programs include a potent non-opioid analgesic, two initiatives for opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid overdose, and a promising compound for stimulant use disorder (StUD).
We are seeking to hire a Director level position for a dual role of Strategy and Drug Development for the SBS-518 program. SBS-518 is a novel compound designed to treat stimulant use disorder (StUD). SBS-518 targets the Sigma Receptor and Dopamine Active Transport (DAT). Preclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in attenuating cocaine self-administration without inducing reward effects. Recently, Sparian secured a $19 million 5-year grant to advance SBS-518 from laboratory research through clinical trials. For further details about our company, team, and the SBS-518 program, please visit our website.
Sparian Operational Model:
Sparian is a dynamic biotech firm employing a streamlined "hub-and-spoke" operational model. At the center, a dedicated Core Business Team, including executives such as the CEO, COO, Directors, CFO, and Legal, oversees the entire spectrum of business functions - strategic planning, financial management, business development, fundraising initiatives, and crucially, the direct oversight of our product pipeline. To develop our compounds, we engage with a network of 10 to 20 subject matter expert (SME) consultants. These consultants, akin to part-time team members, assume leadership roles in their specific area of expertise. Their expertise spans various critical domains, including manufacturing, animal toxicology studies, regulatory compliance, and clinical development. Execution of development activities, such as compound synthesis, animal and human testing, is entrusted to reputable large-scale vendors. Functionally, the Core Business Team establishes the overarching product strategy, collaborates with consultants to determine the specific studies required, and delegates day-to-day management of product development activities to the consultants overseeing operations at our vendor partners.
Responsibilities:
The Strategy / Drug Development Director role is pivotal within the Core Business Team, encompassing two primary spheres of responsibility, each demanding approximately 50% of your time: directing drug development activities of SBS-518 and corporate strategy / general biotech entrepreneur activities.
1. Directing the development of SBS-518:
- Lead and oversee the comprehensive development of SBS-518, from manufacturing to preclinical toxicology studies, regulatory submissions, and clinical trials.
- Collaborate closely with the management team, consultants, academic partners, vendors, NIH Program managers, and investors to drive development activities.
- Engage in the design, management, and analysis of studies, contributing to development decisions and budget management for all vendor and consultant engagements.
** We do not expect candidates to already know everything about early-stage drug development, but we expect an eagerness and ability to learn almost everything about early-stage drug development.
2. Corporate Strategy / General Biotech Entrepreneur:
- Strategy Development: Cultivate an in-depth understanding of the StUD market landscape and Sparian's product portfolio. Analyze market dynamics, competitors, pricing potential, and payer considerations to refine the SBS-518 strategy.
- Financing: Engage in fundraising efforts, including investor engagement and leveraging non-dilutive funding sources like NIH grants.
- Business Development: Explore strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand Sparian's pipeline. Conduct due diligence on opportunities and contribute to negotiations and deal structuring.
- Legal Affairs: Provide input on legal matters, including intellectual property protection, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance (depending on prior experience)
- Operations Management: Optimize internal processes and workflows, ensuring efficient execution of company objectives.
- Market Research and Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to inform strategic decision-making.
- Networking and Professional Development: Represent Sparian at industry events to build relationships with stakeholders and seek opportunities for growth.
**Role will flex depending on candidate’s interest and capabilities.
What the Director Can Expect:
- Integration into the Core Business Team of a growing biotech startup.
- Development of biotech entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experience.
- Close mentorship from management and subject matter experts.
- Proficiency in early-stage drug development and business operations.
- Opportunities to address national public health challenges.
- Learning how to file and administer NIH grants and participate in financing processes for startups.
Requirements:
- Must be a team player with a collaborative mindset.
- Passion for discovering and developing novel medications for CNS disorders.
- Interest in early-stage drug development and startup culture.
- 3-5+ years of full-time experience in life science consulting, finance, or biopharmaceutical industries.
- Strong science background with an undergraduate degree in biological sciences; Master's, PhD, or MBA preferred.
- Strong organizational, management, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Data-driven approach to decision-making.
Next Steps:
- Visit our website to learn more about Sparian Biosciences.
- Suggested Readings: "Mu Opioid Pharmacology: 40 Years to the Promised Land" by G.W. Pasternak.
- Apply through our web portal. HERE
- For assistance, contact us at Contact@Sparianbiosciences.com with the subject line "Job Applicant – [NAME]".