VP, Translational Medicine

COMPANY:

At BioCryst, we share a deep commitment to improving the lives of people living with complement-mediated and other rare diseases. For over three decades we’ve been guided by our passion for not settling for “ordinary” in our quest to develop novel medicines. We leverage our expertise in structure-guided drug design to develop first-in-class or best-in-class oral small-molecule and protein therapeutics, led by the efforts of our team of expert scientists in our Discovery Center of Excellence in Birmingham, Alabama. Our global headquarters is in Durham, North Carolina, our European headquarters is in Dublin, Ireland and our employees span the globe across sites in multiple countries. We are proud of our culture of engagement and accountability that rewards people for innovative thinking and achievement of key objectives. For more information, please visit our website at www.biocryst.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

JOB SUMMARY:

The VP, Translational Medicine, plays a leadership role in developing the clinical strategy supporting discovery and early development pipeline programs, primarily in the field of complement, by supporting the translation of basic research findings into the identification of potential clinical targets for new discovery programs, or in defining new indications for existing assets within the Company’s pipeline. 

The role involves identifying and establishing collaborations with external scientific and clinical experts to advise the Company on relevant matters, and works closely with colleagues across Discovery, Development and Commercial Strategy to develop robust clinical strategies for new discovery and early development programs.   

The VP, Translational Medicine will be deeply scientific in their approach to drug discovery and development, be highly creative in identifying opportunities to translate research findings into clinical opportunities, patient centric, and possess a sense of urgency in proposing and executing novel discovery and early development programs. #LI-Remote

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead clinical insights for assigned projects from the earliest discovery stages, e.g., prior to new target selection.
• Identify external experts to collaborate on basic and translational science supporting the case for new targets and indications
• Build early clinical development plans to get to early proof of concept for pipeline assets
• Partner in identifying and building new research and development programs for BioCryst to expand the breadth of the company’s research, development, and commercial activities.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD or MD PhD from a top-rank institution, with postgraduate specialty or subspecialty training. US board-certified or board-eligible, or international equivalent, and at least 10 years’ experience in clinical development in industry.
• Demonstrated scientific expertise in the field of complement biology
• Demonstrated translational medicine/ early drug development experience, driving results to key early development stage gates within the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
• Skilled in building, training, mentoring, and motivating a medical team in industry, ideally for an emerging biopharmaceutical company pursuing novel therapeutics.
• Highly developed matrix team skills, including collaboration and influencing across functions at senior level.
• Strong applied quantitative skills, including solid statistical and epidemiological concepts and interpretative skills.
• Record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Hands-on, self-starter who will be an assertive, respectful and active participant with ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
• Able to communicate effectively with several constituents, including members of the executive team, patients and patient advocacy groups, key opinion leaders, investors, the Board of Directors, potential corporate partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Able to multi-task across a broad range of activities and a strong sense of priorities.
• Driven to progress programs and timelines at very rapid speeds and to drive extraordinary accomplishments.
• Strong sense of priorities; someone who earns trust by committing to and delivering results while articulating the “strategy,” not just the tactics.

The statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The manager may assign additional responsibilities and assignments from time to time.

BioCryst is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, Veteran’s status, disability and/or other protected class characteristics. Additionally, BioCryst is committed to achieving its business objectives in compliance with all federal, state and local law.