Sr. Principal Scientist, Discovery and Translational Immunology Full-time NEW

Immunology Discovery Project Lead

Our Company's Discovery Immunology groups are developing a world-class pipeline to treat immune-mediated diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, and Dermatology. We are seeking an exceptional scientific leader with deep expertise in Immunology Discovery and Translational Research to join our vibrant Research & Discovery team in San Diego in our journey to discover and develop the next generation of best-in-class medicines that will raise the therapeutic ceiling in the treatment of immune-driven diseases.

This role will report to the Associate Vice President, Immunology Discovery. This position will serve as Discovery Immunology Project lead on early-stage immunology programs, driving projects from scientific rationale for target ID through translational research, target validation, differentiation, derisking, modality selection, and overall strategy through the Discovery stages.

This scientific leader will also play a key role in building and executing the translational research strategy for Immunology. This is a strategic role that will sit at the interface of Discovery, Biomarkers, and Early Development, and will also interact and influence the design and execution of translational data generation from internal clinical studies. The individual will also play an important role in identifying, managing, and executing translational research collaborations with academic scientific researchers and CROs. Previous experience in translational science research with a focus on acquisition of disease patient samples and multi-omics data generation and interpretation in collaboration with computational/Data science partners are key attributes.

Collaborating with Discovery Biologics, Chemistry, Quantitative Biology, Computational Scientists, Translational Medicine, and other functions at Our Company, you will be defining and executing the discovery and translational strategy for multiple programs. The role also will be responsible for early discovery programs, translational data, and biomarker discovery for portfolio pipeline programs in immunology and its successful and timely transition into Early Development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the Associate Vice President Immunology Discovery SD Research & Development Division and other project leads on site as well as other Research & Development Division Immunology Discovery sites to define and execute drug discovery immunology programs in the portfolio as part of the Immunology TA strategy.
• Closely collaborate with a cross-functional group of experts across Our Company to design and execute the Research Operating Plan to advance projects through Discovery.
• Lead the discovery and creation of cellular, molecular, and functional assays required for design and execution of the Research Operating Plan to advance projects through Discovery and toward early development.
• Partner closely with cross-functional colleagues, including Computational Scientists (DAGS), modelers, PKPD, to advance projects forward through stages of Discovery.
• Lead the discovery and creation of cellular, molecular, and functional assays that serve as biomarkers for prosecution of programs as they advance through the Discovery stages toward Early Development.
• Contribute to discovery and creation of translational data strategy for immunology including partnering internally and externally in the generation of actionable science packages to identify, validate, and execute novel targets implicated in the pathogenesis of TA disease areas including diseases in the Derm, Rheum, and GI areas.
• Collaborate with Translational Medicine and Biomarker colleagues for programs moving toward Early Development to ensure transition of early discovery biomarkers and biomarkers plans for execution during development stages.
• Champion the use of new technologies and modalities to drive discovery and prosecution of novel targets in immunological disease through various modalities and approaches including small molecules, peptides, biologics, T cell engagers, and others.
• Actively contribute to the overall company's Immunology TA strategy.
• Maintaining awareness of scientific developments within area of expertise, in terms of new scientific findings, research methodologies, novel platforms, and modalities.
• Attend appropriate scientific meetings to maintain cutting edge knowledge and competency in the field.

Qualifications:

Required Experience and Skills:

• PhD in Immunology/Cell biology or related field, with 10+ years of immunology research and drug development experience, MS with 15+ years of immunology research experience, or BS with 20+ years of immunology research experience. Must have at least 7 years of direct industry experience.
• Knowledge and experience of immune-mediated diseases including a strong understanding of molecular pathways driving disease and of relevant clinical trial results and competitive landscape in immunology and autoinflammation.
• Prior experience shaping and executing in discovery research and drug development in the field of immunology with a focus on autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.
• Experience in compound (small molecules, biologics, other modalities) discovery and design for a variety of relevant disease targets.
• Prior experience in ideating, establishing, and executing translational research strategies in immune diseases, including strategic fit, coordination of data generation and interpretation with computational scientists and other functions.
• Experience developing clinically relevant biomarkers for target engagement and pharmacodynamic measures.
• A minimum of 5 years of direct management experience overseeing multiple teams and proven leadership with the ability to align, motivate, and empower team members and a demonstrated passion for team building and talent development.
• Strong awareness of safety and environmental requirements.
• A good understanding of integration and partnering necessary for pharmaceutical development with Translational Medicine, Clinical, CMC, Regulatory, Operations, and other functional areas.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills with the ability to work with senior level managers in meeting venues that include multiple cross-functional representatives.

• Participate in cross-functional collaboration and support in the preparation of INDs and other submissions to health agencies for human clinical studies.