Preclinical Lead-Autoimmunity

Primary Duties

Preclinical Lead (Autoimmunity), reporting directly to the Head of Immunology, will be responsible for the proof-of-concept studies, design/execution, the choice of autoimmune indications and establishing the candidate development strategy from Research to Preclinical stage. The position will also work cross functionally with the Clinical Development team to prepare for advancement of autoimmune programs into later stages, filings and inspections, establishing clinical endpoints, development protocols, safety reviews and regulatory strategies and interactions. Preclinical Lead (Autoimmunity) will create and lead the Autoimmune Disease research group and promote a strong creative culture with a clear sense of urgency for providing life-changing gene therapies to patients.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the execution of the proof-of-concept studies
• Provide scientific leadership and management to the Autoimmune Disease group
• Design the candidate drug development strategy from Research to Preclinical stage
• Provide scientific and strategic input in the evaluation of new technologies and preclinical development or in-licensing of candidate drugs as well as over-sight of outsourced bioanalytical work to CROs
• Screen the landscape of autoimmune disease treatment to propose potential novel indications for gene therapy use

Education and Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology or related field required and at least 8 years of scientific/medical experience in Autoimmunity field

• 2 years of management experience

• A strong background in AAV, non-viral gene therapy or vaccination is preferred

• Track record in the discovery and development of new autoimmune therapies including leading project, teams and contributing to Pre-IND, IND, and other regulatory filings.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Able to set strategy and lead research projects by planning, designing, and executing multiple, complex research projects that support corporate scientific goals and priorities.

• A strong leader as evidenced by internal consulting, mentoring, and project team leadership and active support.

• Maintain expertise through review of current scientific literature, submissions to scientific journals, and attendance and participation at conferences.

• Demonstrated excellence in a wide array of scientific techniques and methodologies.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong publication record

Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia

Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to challenge the inevitability of genetic disease by discovering, developing, and delivering treatments in ways unimaginable - until now.

We don't follow footsteps. We create the path.