Objective

Essential Functions

• Lead pre-clinical discovery projects in experimental design and execution, ensuring rigorous science.
• Perform bioconjugate chemistry on large molecules (e.g., mAb) and characterization of mAb conjugates.

• Oversee and/or perform in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments to evaluate the novel radiopharmaceutical candidates in the hit-to-lead optimization.
• Perform radio-synthesis of radiopharmaceutical products. Execute radiochemistry analysis applications including radio-HPLC and TLC to investigate radiochemical purity.
• Oversee and/or perform in vitro assays such as SPR, PCR, enzymatic assays, and cellular assays including ligand binding assays (i.e., IC₅₀, EC₅₀, K_D, B_max) and flow cytometry.
• Analyze experimental results, draw scientifically rigorous conclusions to evaluate the performance of drug candidates and support decision making during hit-to-lead optimization.
• Identify and secure key resources for pipeline projects, including in vitro models, in vivo models, methodologies, protocols, CROs, equipment, radioisotopes, and staffing.
• Collect data and support the application of intellectual properties.

• Collect IND/CTA-enabling preclinical data packages, including non-GLP and GLP studies, to support INDs and initiation of FIH clinical trials.
• Provide tech transfers to external collaborators to ensure rapid translation of nominated candidates to early FIH validation results.

• Oversee external contracted research projects to ensure the on-time delivery of results.
• Cultivate a culture that embraces scientific excellence, collaboration, continuous learning and improvement.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior scientists to foster professional growth and development.
• Support the efforts in establishing timeline, project management and budgets for pipeline discovery projects.

Qualifications

• Experience in early drug discovery projects in radiopharmaceutical industry.

• Proficient with bioconjugate chemistry of large molecules (e.g., mAb) and characterize the mAb conjugates.
• Proficient with radio-synthetic chemistry using different radioisotopes, including alpha-emitting isotopes.
• Proficient with biochemical techniques such as cell-based assays, enzymatic assays, aseptic cell culture techniques, SPR, ELISA, qPCR, flow cytometry, IHC, etc.
• Experience with routine analytical equipment such as radio-HPLC, radio-TLC.
• Experience with in vivo studies using laboratory animal models, especially oncology models.
• Experience with wet chemistry, biology, and cell culture.
• Proficient in handling lab animals including i.p., i.v. (i.e. lateral tail vein), and subcutaneous injections.

Education / Experience

• Master’s degree or PhD degree in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical science, Medicinal chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• PhD degree with 2+ years in early discovery in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, radiopharmaceutical preferred.
• Master’s degree with 5+ years in early discovery in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, radiopharmaceutical preferred.
• 5+ years of research experience in pharmaceutical science, radiopharmaceutical research experience preferred (may include research experience during MS of PhD program).

• Proficient in bioconjugate chemistry in large molecules
• Strong scientific background in the candidate’s field of training such as cancer biology, cellular and molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, radiochemistry, chemistry, analytical chemistry, and/or nuclear medicine, etc.
• Sustained record of published high-quality scientific papers, conference abstracts, and patent applications.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact professionally across departments and organizations, internally and externally.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills to complete high-quality work by deadlines provided.
• Proficient in reading, understanding, summarizing, and presenting scientific literature to peers.
• Proficient in GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Office, writing and following SOPs, lab safety, data analysis and presentation.

Work Environment

• Must be willing to work in a facility producing radioactive materials and requiring all employees to participate in safety programs designed to minimize potential and/or actual exposure levels.
• Must be able to work outside of regular work hours, including off shift, weekend, and holiday work as business needs require.
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods of 8+ hours a day while performing duties. 
• Occasional kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, or reaching may be required.
• Must possess good hand-eye coordination; close attention to detail is required.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to mechanical/moving parts, hazards including radioactive, corrosive, flammable and toxic material, dust, dirt, odors, and irritants.
• Must be willing to wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eye and hearing protection, as needed.
• Willingness to complete safety training within allotted timeframes, and work in a team-based environment.