Scientific Director
$130,015–$182,017 year
On-siteSan Diego, California, United States
Job Summary
Provide high-level scientific guidance for oncology and GPCR projects across internal and client programs, participating in milestone decision meetings for target selection, lead optimization, and IND-enabling activities. Design, critique, and approve mechanistic studies, pharmacology, and translational biology plans to ensure rigor and translational relevance. Evaluate target biology evidence to support prioritization and guide GPCR-focused activities including assay design, ligand screening, and biased signaling evaluation. Support toxicology, PK/PD, and CMC teams in identifying risks for preclinical packages and IND filings. Represent WuXi AppTec in scientific discussions with academic collaborators, clients, CROs, and regulatory agencies while preparing regulatory documents and client deliverables. This role requires a PhD in oncology or related fields with at least 8 years of experience in drug discovery or early development. Authorization to work in the United States is required.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in oncology, molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry or related field; or MS with substantial industry experience
- Minimum 8 years' experience in drug discovery or early development
- demonstrated hands-on or leadership experience in oncology and/or GPCR biology within biopharma, biotech, CRO or academic translational research
- Deep knowledge of GPCR biology, ligand pharmacology, screening/assay paradigms, and/or tumor signaling pathways and translational oncology
- Familiarity with in vitro and in vivo pharmacology models, biomarker development and early clinical development processes
- Strong scientific communication skills in English (written and verbal); ability to interact effectively with clients and cross-functional teams
- Authorization to work in the United States
- Must be able to work in an office environment with minimal noise conditions
- Must be able to work in a lab setting with exposure to Animals/, biohazards, / Chemicals
- Must not have animal allergies to applicable species in this facility
- Must be able to wear appropriate PPE
- Must be able to work in an environment with variable noise levels
- Ability to stand /sit/walk for long periods of time
- Ability to lift 10 lbs. routinely
- Ability to crouch, bend, twist, and reach
- Ability to push/pull 10 lbs. routinely/ often / occasionally
- Ability to identify and distinguish colors
- Must be able to perform activities with repetitive motions
Desired Qualifications
- Direct project leadership experience on GPCR targets (e.g., chemokine receptors, adhesion GPCRs, aminergic receptors) or oncology targets with a record of advancing molecules toward IND
- Experience supporting IND preparation, regulatory interactions (FDA/EMA) or early clinical study design
- Familiarity with structural biology (GPCR crystallography/cry-EM), computational drug design, or advanced biased signaling/pharmacology assays
- Experience mentoring teams and working in a client‐facing or CRO environment; demonstrated business development support or client engagement experience
- Publications in peer‐reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
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