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Associate Director, Biologics Development (Viral Vector)

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Oct 27, 2020

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Discipline
Health Sciences
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public

Therapeutics Discovery and Development

MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), the largest research-based Cancer Center in the nation, is taking a unique approach in the battle against cancer. It is well-known that MDACC is home to an esteemed academic faculty that cover all aspects of cancer research, publish prolifically in leading journals and present extensively at all major conferences. In addition MD Anderson boasts a vast oncology clinic that runs more clinical trials than any other institution and has created unparalleled capabilities is cell therapy trials. In between the basic science and the translation, MDACC has created a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: The Therapeutics Discovery and Development (TDD) Division. TDD eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allows the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof.

Biologics Product Development

Biologics, be it monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or cell therapies are complex therapeutics that are revolutionizing the treatment of cancer and yet are difficult to robustly develop and manufacture. To unlock the potential of these modalities MDACC is investing in Biologics Development capabilities within TDD accelerate the results we have already achieved, with multiple programs currently in clinical development. The goal will be to develop industrial biologics with a commercial horizon within the innovative environment of an academic cancer center. The group will be a composite of industry veterans who are interested in applying their experience to develop innovative therapeutics and see them impact patients, as well as academics looking to turn science into products. We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively.

Associate Director, Viral Vector Biologics Development

The Associate Director, Viral Vector Biologics Development is a key talent reporting to the Head of Cell Therapy Process Development. MDA is the leader in clinical trials for cell therapies, including the lead site for Kymriah. These clinical capabilities are matched by a faculty that is pressing the boundaries of new cell therapy modalities. In order to advance these promising concepts to and through the clinic, we are investing in new internal process development and manufacturing capabilities.

The successful candidate will lead the onboarding of viral vector process development capabilities including but not limited to retroviral vector and lentiviral vectors. The incumbent will be a key member of the Process Development senior lead team, which defines the strategy and oversees selecting platform technologies for viral vector process development and manufacture. The incumbent will be expected to create an organization that can lead and execute strategic innovations and reliable operations in supporting advanced clinical development.

Major responsibilities and goals to achieve in the first year:

•Establish new viral vector laboratory capabilities in the PD space

•Determine and recruit viral vector process development team, including upstream and downstream process development and optimization

•Work closely with Manufacturing and Quality to develop and technology transfer viral vector platform process that balances rigorous GMP practices with aggressive implementation of cutting edge technologies and processes to quickly bring innovative therapies to our patients

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in a related science field.

Experience

Required: Eleven years of relevant experience to include six years of managerial experience. With Master's degree, nine years of relevant experience to include six years of managerial experience.

Preferred:

•10+ years of experience in process development of viral vectors and or other biologics modalities.

•Experience in PD laboratory operations

•Leadership capabilities to define, populate, manage and develop a team

•Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team

•Demonstrated strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and a superior drive for results

•Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management and staff

•Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills

•Ability to operate as an effective tactical, as well as strategic thinker

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Company

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

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