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Director - Molecular Immunology: Novo Nordisk, Inc.

Job Description
PURPOSE:

The department will be engaged in identifying, evaluating, and validating potential protein-based lead candidates and protein-drug targets in the area of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The incumbent will initiate and direct molecular immunology programs and technologies aimed at the discovery of novel drug candidates that have potential to modify immune and inflammatory responses and will be expected to bring specific expertise in the areas of molecular immunology - such as analysis of gene and protein expression, cloning & expression, siRNA transfection, retroviral expression, expression-cloning, receptor-ligand pairing technologies - to bear on these programs. Emphasis will be given to immune-regulatory protein classes, including cytokines, chemokines, soluble receptors, as well as agonist and antagonist antibodies to these lead classes. The ideal candidate will possess the following:

â-- Strong training and background in application of Molecular Biology systems to Discovery programs;
â-ª functional or binding-based cloning
â-ª RNAi systems
â-ª identification of pairing and binding partners

â-- Experience with high-throughput screening of gene, protein, or antibody discovery systems with in-vitro screens

â-- Background in Autoimmunity and Inflammation

â-- Industry experience with protein-based biologics

â-- Track-record of delivering drug candidates to clinical development pipeline

â-- Record of experience in Discovery programs in Autoimmunity/Inflammation
â-ª lead discovery (protein or antibody-based)
â-ª target discovery

RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Corporate Vice President of Novo Nordisk Inflammation Research Center (NNIRC).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Management responsibility for a growing group of scientist/specialists and research associates including project managers.
· Responsible for setting direction and implementing technologies for the department's activities, which may include:
o Analysis of gene and protein expression in normal vs disease
o Bioinformatics
o Functional cloning of binding partners
o Design and analysis of DNA array experiments
o Quantitative PCR
o In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
o DNA cloning and expression
o siRNA knock-down

DISCOVERY MANAGEMENT
· Provide leadership in managing therapy area-focused research strategies consistent with divisional goals.
· Drive therapeutic area focus and attention to clinical need. Ensure regulatory relevance.
· Coach and advise multidisciplinary research teams and facilitate a successful transfer and engagement of project initiatives to project teams.
· Oversee management of pre-clinical project evaluation process.
· Empower research sections to establish mission goals consistent with Biopharmaceutical vision.
· Promote creativity and critical thinking in developing research strategies and achieving division goals.
· Identify and solicit key opinion leaders to evaluate internal projects.
· Provide global management of projects across departments.
· Transfer responsibility for managing new or ongoing collaborations to other line management functions.
· Provide clear definition to subordinates of line management and matrix management functions.

MEDICAL AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY LIAISON
· Expand and manage existing external research network.
· Publicize internally meeting results and collaborative opportunities.
· Direct research strategies in accordance with publication plans.
· Write, review and approve collaborative research manuscripts.
· In compliance with the research strategy and in collaboration with the project teams, identify and expand external research contacts.
· Promote external funding opportunities for potential collaborators, including award-based programs to academic investigators.
· Ensure adequate scientific representation at external scientific meetings, conferences, hearings, etc., including government agencies.

DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATORY LIAISON
· Write and review relevant sections of research/preclinical/statistical reports, including investigator's brochures, IND and NDA.
· Assist in providing scientific/preclinical representation at internal and external meetings; liaison with the Clinical Development and Marketing/Business Development departments.
· Assure timely implementation of research strategy supportive activities; act as liaison with Legal, Patent and Licensing Departments, Regulatory, the project teams, and external or internal investigators.

SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT FOR OTHER COMPANY ACTIVITIES
· Provide internal education and ongoing scientific support as needed.
· Provide development opportunities at other company sites.
· Oversee company interactions with the expert community (i.e. Advisory Boards, scientific meetings, etc).

DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE
· Ensure that reporting personnel have 3P forms with annual goals and measurements that are consistent with the priorities of the business, and that interim reviews are held so that their work is focused on those priorities, and they understand their level of accountability for results and the measurement process.
· Manage the application and communication of all Novo Nordisk policies, procedures, and Novo Nordisk Way of Management.
· Ensure that the IDP forms include completed Learning and Aspiration plans and are in place for all reporting personnel to enable the achievement of goals and capability to assume increased levels of responsibility.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
· PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or relevant field
· At least 10 years of post-graduate experience, with at least 5 years of industry experience in biotech or pharmaceutical R&D in the area of molecular immunology and inflammatory diseases.
· Track-record of leadership a program that delivered tangible progress in the discovery validation of lead candidate protein-based drugs into pre-clinical or clinical development.
· Demonstrated managerial skills and ability to develop the careers of direct reports, and in leading a laboratory team. Candidates should have had at least 3 years of experience in a management role in biotech or a pharmaceutical company.
· In-depth understanding and experience with cytokine biology, as reflected by high-quality publications.
· Innovative mind-set, since a major aspect of the role is to participate in identifying new project opportunities, via in-house activities or through external networks.
· As the position involves participation in cross-functional teams, candidates must have excellent collaboration skills and the ability to succeed in a cross-functional, teamwork-oriented environment.