Institute Group Leader, Radiopharmaceutical Drug Discovery
- Requisition #: 172256
- Department: Rad for Adv Diag Imag and Ther
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 12/23/2024
Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics, cellular therapies, and radiopharmaceuticals. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof.
The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around multiple platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology), the Neurodegeneration Consortium, and most recently, RADIATE (Radiopharmaceuticals for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging and Therapy).
The RADIATE platform is an industrialized translational research unit that aligns world-class radiopharmaceutical drug discovery and development with highly innovative science and clinical care research. Through an investment in patient-centric research, we have developed the infrastructure, platforms, and capabilities to enable transformative research, partnering with leading clinical research scientists and physicians for which MD Anderson is known. RADIATE's approach combines large scale data science, innovative cancer genetics, disruptive radiopharmaceutical technologies, deep mechanistic biology, disease modeling, and pharmacology to accelerate the translation of novel discoveries.
As part of our mission, RADIATE is focused on partnering with our internal drug discovery engine (IACS, ORBIT, Biologics Development and Cell Therapies, TRACTION) and a growing list of external Partners to discover and develop the next generation of radionuclide theranostics, all driven by the needs we see in our patients.
We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.
SUMMARY
The Group Leader, Radiopharmaceutical Drug Discovery is responsible for the daily oversight and management of the radiopharmaceutical drug discovery effort of the RADIATE theranostics Research and Development Platform. As such, this individual will oversee broadly engaged programs of radiopharmaceutical research that include target prioritization, validation, chemotype elaboration and selection, isotope prioritization, in vivo evaluation, and IND-enabling studies. The Group Leader coordinate and execute research efforts from hit to lead through candidate selection.
KEY FUNCTIONS
* Lead multifaceted radiopharmaceutical drug discovery teams in support of the RADIATE platform drug discovery and development programs within the Therapeutics Discovery Division.
* Implement, in partnership where relevant, a comprehensive array of oncology target discovery and validation platforms to enable systematic identification of new theranostic targets.
* Execute and lead discovery and screening platforms enabling the identification and optimization of new pharmacophores for theranostics, including peptides, small molecules, biologics, and other emerging theranostic chemotypes.
* Implement programs in innovative isotope production, delivery, and incorporation across a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes.
* Oversees efforts in innovative radiochemistry that enable new theranostic programs.
* Apply expertise in radiochemistry, medicinal chemistry, cancer biology, biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, drug development, and quantitative molecular imaging to enable drug discovery and inform drug development from lead ID through candidate selection and IND filing.
* Apply expertise in the cGMP-manufacture of radiopharmaceuticals to enable manufacture consistent with 21 CRF Part 212 and 21 CRF Part 211.
* Apply expertise in radiopharmaceutical drug discovery and cancer biology to oversee efforts to build and execute on cell-based assays, in vivo proof-of-concept studies, and toxicology to support drug discovery, mechanism of action studies, and lead prioritization.
* Interface with matrixed functional group leadership to establish strategy and align research activities to guide project advancement.
* Work collaboratively with RADIATE Platform Leadership, Therapeutics Discovery Division leadership, and relevant Clinical Leadership and stakeholders to translate radiopharmaceutical assets to early phase clinical trials at MD Anderson.
* Facilitate interaction and collaboration to best leverage MD Anderson Cancer Center clinical departments to drive integration and advancement of portfolio programs.
* Stay abreast and implement as appropriate new technologies and processes to enable more rapid advancement of drug discovery and development programs, including major radiopharmaceutical facilities and resources.
* Build and manage strong collaborative relationships with internal and, importantly, external groups such as Industry partners, to effectively identify and utilize expertise and innovation.
* Deploy new technologies to enhance translational research capabilities.
* Serve as a key advisor to Radiopharmaceutical Research facility management.
* Recruit and retain a top-notch collaborative and innovative team.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Oral Communication (Administrative/Operations Management): Express ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations; create an environment with open channels of communication. Share information with a group in a logical, concise manner. Generate opportunities for information flow among others. Coach others in effective communication skills.
- Foster a climate that encourages clear, direct, open and accurate information. Communicate information through presentations or speeches. Encourage expression of alternate perspectives.
• Analytical Thinking (Transitional): Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; makes sound decisions.
- Identify relationships among a few parts of a problem. Scan own knowledge and experience base to determine potential solutions.
See multiple relationships among several parts of a problem. Recognize likely causes of events or consequences of actions. Use data from multiple sources to support assumptions.
• Provide Direction (Administrative/Operations Management): Provide clear direction and priorities toward a common vision; clarify roles and responsibilities for employees; promote empowerment.
- Determine priorities and communicate to the team. Redirect operations as necessary to achieve objectives. Clarify roles and responsibilities of team.
- Scan internal and external environments to determine unit direction. Set vision and direction for unit.
• Strategic Thinking (Administrative/Operations Management): Define strategic goals and issues clearly; applies broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.
- Define problems from the perspective of the stakeholders. Understand how the work of the team relates to the overall institutional strategy.
- Align unit strategically with institution. Be aware of latest industry trends as they affect unit strategies.
• Innovative Thinking (Strategic Leader): Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; offer new ideas, solutions and/or options.
- Generate new ideas and solutions by utilizing multiple resources. Challenge others in a group to identify creative approaches.
- Use group problem-solving skills to approach problems. Create or sponsor processes that promote change. Enlist others to pursue new initiatives.
- Identify new opportunities and practices for the institution. Champion unique solutions by removing barriers to implementation.
• Global Perspective (Administrative/Operations Management): Understand the position of the institution within the industry; anticipate the impact of technological, social, and economic trends on the institution.
- Use available information on industry trends to direct unit activities.
- Understand the impact of internal and external environments on the institution. Commit significant resources or time to pursue information regarding industry trends.
• Provide Direction (Transitional): Provide clear direction and priorities toward a common vision; clarify roles and responsibilities for employees; promote empowerment.
- Provide expert technical guidance to others on project/task groups.
- Determine priorities and communicate to the team. Redirect operations as necessary to achieve objectives. Clarify roles and responsibilities of team.
• Team with Others (Administrative/Operations Management): Encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.
- Actively promote a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. Solicit opinions from team members. Coach others in developing teamwork skills.
- Promote cooperation between teams within the institution. Act as an advisor/liaison for building team cohesiveness.
• Technical/Functional Expertise (Administrative/Operations Management): Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.
- Maintain state-of-the-art knowledge in the field. Provide expertise and guidance to others.
- Play a role in the advancement of the profession. Publish or present on cutting-edge technical issues. Hold others accountable for technical excellence.
Working Conditions
Laboratory environment that may involve occasional exposure to hazardous equipment and materials.
Physical Demands
Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:
EDUCATION:
Required: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Seven years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory to include three years of supervisory or managerial experience. Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
Preferred: Prior experience in academia and industry, prior leadership of radiochemistry facility, cyclotron, reactor, or similar activities.
experience in radiopharmaceutical research, drug discovery/translational research and/or clinical positioning of novel radiopharmaceutical therapeutics in an academic or industry-like setting. Must have proven track record in therapeutics discovery, radiopharmaceutical discovery and/or development and/or discovery of novel cancer therapeutics. Must have strong background in radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical research. Experience also must include supervisory and leadership experience.
OTHER:
Required: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around multiple platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology), the Neurodegeneration Consortium, and most recently, RADIATE (Radiopharmaceuticals for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging and Therapy).
The RADIATE platform is an industrialized translational research unit that aligns world-class radiopharmaceutical drug discovery and development with highly innovative science and clinical care research. Through an investment in patient-centric research, we have developed the infrastructure, platforms, and capabilities to enable transformative research, partnering with leading clinical research scientists and physicians for which MD Anderson is known. RADIATE's approach combines large scale data science, innovative cancer genetics, disruptive radiopharmaceutical technologies, deep mechanistic biology, disease modeling, and pharmacology to accelerate the translation of novel discoveries.
As part of our mission, RADIATE is focused on partnering with our internal drug discovery engine (IACS, ORBIT, Biologics Development and Cell Therapies, TRACTION) and a growing list of external Partners to discover and develop the next generation of radionuclide theranostics, all driven by the needs we see in our patients.
We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.
SUMMARY
The Group Leader, Radiopharmaceutical Drug Discovery is responsible for the daily oversight and management of the radiopharmaceutical drug discovery effort of the RADIATE theranostics Research and Development Platform. As such, this individual will oversee broadly engaged programs of radiopharmaceutical research that include target prioritization, validation, chemotype elaboration and selection, isotope prioritization, in vivo evaluation, and IND-enabling studies. The Group Leader coordinate and execute research efforts from hit to lead through candidate selection.
KEY FUNCTIONS
* Lead multifaceted radiopharmaceutical drug discovery teams in support of the RADIATE platform drug discovery and development programs within the Therapeutics Discovery Division.
* Implement, in partnership where relevant, a comprehensive array of oncology target discovery and validation platforms to enable systematic identification of new theranostic targets.
* Execute and lead discovery and screening platforms enabling the identification and optimization of new pharmacophores for theranostics, including peptides, small molecules, biologics, and other emerging theranostic chemotypes.
* Implement programs in innovative isotope production, delivery, and incorporation across a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes.
* Oversees efforts in innovative radiochemistry that enable new theranostic programs.
* Apply expertise in radiochemistry, medicinal chemistry, cancer biology, biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, drug development, and quantitative molecular imaging to enable drug discovery and inform drug development from lead ID through candidate selection and IND filing.
* Apply expertise in the cGMP-manufacture of radiopharmaceuticals to enable manufacture consistent with 21 CRF Part 212 and 21 CRF Part 211.
* Apply expertise in radiopharmaceutical drug discovery and cancer biology to oversee efforts to build and execute on cell-based assays, in vivo proof-of-concept studies, and toxicology to support drug discovery, mechanism of action studies, and lead prioritization.
* Interface with matrixed functional group leadership to establish strategy and align research activities to guide project advancement.
* Work collaboratively with RADIATE Platform Leadership, Therapeutics Discovery Division leadership, and relevant Clinical Leadership and stakeholders to translate radiopharmaceutical assets to early phase clinical trials at MD Anderson.
* Facilitate interaction and collaboration to best leverage MD Anderson Cancer Center clinical departments to drive integration and advancement of portfolio programs.
* Stay abreast and implement as appropriate new technologies and processes to enable more rapid advancement of drug discovery and development programs, including major radiopharmaceutical facilities and resources.
* Build and manage strong collaborative relationships with internal and, importantly, external groups such as Industry partners, to effectively identify and utilize expertise and innovation.
* Deploy new technologies to enhance translational research capabilities.
* Serve as a key advisor to Radiopharmaceutical Research facility management.
* Recruit and retain a top-notch collaborative and innovative team.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Oral Communication (Administrative/Operations Management): Express ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations; create an environment with open channels of communication. Share information with a group in a logical, concise manner. Generate opportunities for information flow among others. Coach others in effective communication skills.
- Foster a climate that encourages clear, direct, open and accurate information. Communicate information through presentations or speeches. Encourage expression of alternate perspectives.
• Analytical Thinking (Transitional): Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; makes sound decisions.
- Identify relationships among a few parts of a problem. Scan own knowledge and experience base to determine potential solutions.
See multiple relationships among several parts of a problem. Recognize likely causes of events or consequences of actions. Use data from multiple sources to support assumptions.
• Provide Direction (Administrative/Operations Management): Provide clear direction and priorities toward a common vision; clarify roles and responsibilities for employees; promote empowerment.
- Determine priorities and communicate to the team. Redirect operations as necessary to achieve objectives. Clarify roles and responsibilities of team.
- Scan internal and external environments to determine unit direction. Set vision and direction for unit.
• Strategic Thinking (Administrative/Operations Management): Define strategic goals and issues clearly; applies broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.
- Define problems from the perspective of the stakeholders. Understand how the work of the team relates to the overall institutional strategy.
- Align unit strategically with institution. Be aware of latest industry trends as they affect unit strategies.
• Innovative Thinking (Strategic Leader): Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; offer new ideas, solutions and/or options.
- Generate new ideas and solutions by utilizing multiple resources. Challenge others in a group to identify creative approaches.
- Use group problem-solving skills to approach problems. Create or sponsor processes that promote change. Enlist others to pursue new initiatives.
- Identify new opportunities and practices for the institution. Champion unique solutions by removing barriers to implementation.
• Global Perspective (Administrative/Operations Management): Understand the position of the institution within the industry; anticipate the impact of technological, social, and economic trends on the institution.
- Use available information on industry trends to direct unit activities.
- Understand the impact of internal and external environments on the institution. Commit significant resources or time to pursue information regarding industry trends.
• Provide Direction (Transitional): Provide clear direction and priorities toward a common vision; clarify roles and responsibilities for employees; promote empowerment.
- Provide expert technical guidance to others on project/task groups.
- Determine priorities and communicate to the team. Redirect operations as necessary to achieve objectives. Clarify roles and responsibilities of team.
• Team with Others (Administrative/Operations Management): Encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.
- Actively promote a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. Solicit opinions from team members. Coach others in developing teamwork skills.
- Promote cooperation between teams within the institution. Act as an advisor/liaison for building team cohesiveness.
• Technical/Functional Expertise (Administrative/Operations Management): Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.
- Maintain state-of-the-art knowledge in the field. Provide expertise and guidance to others.
- Play a role in the advancement of the profession. Publish or present on cutting-edge technical issues. Hold others accountable for technical excellence.
Working Conditions
Laboratory environment that may involve occasional exposure to hazardous equipment and materials.
| This position requires: | NO | | YES | |
| | Working in Office Environment | | | X |
| | Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g., Nursing unit; outpatient clinic) | X | | |
| | Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues | X | | |
| | Exposure to harmful chemicals | | | X |
| | Exposure to radiation | | | X |
| | Exposure to animals | | | X |
Physical Demands
Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:
| | Time Spent | ||||
| Never 0% | Occasionally 1-33% | Frequently 34-66% | Continuously 67-100% | ||
| Standing | | X | | | |
| Walking | | X | | | |
| Sitting | | | X | | |
| Reaching | | X | | | |
| Lifting/Carrying | |||||
| | Up to 10 lbs | | X | | |
| | 10lbs to 50 lbs | X | | | |
| | More than 50 lbs | X | | | |
| Pushing/Pulling | |||||
| | Up to 10 lbs | | X | | |
| | 10lbs to 50 lbs | X | | | |
| | More than 50 lbs | X | | | |
| Use computer/keyboard | | | X | | |
EDUCATION:
Required: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Seven years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory to include three years of supervisory or managerial experience. Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
Preferred: Prior experience in academia and industry, prior leadership of radiochemistry facility, cyclotron, reactor, or similar activities.
experience in radiopharmaceutical research, drug discovery/translational research and/or clinical positioning of novel radiopharmaceutical therapeutics in an academic or industry-like setting. Must have proven track record in therapeutics discovery, radiopharmaceutical discovery and/or development and/or discovery of novel cancer therapeutics. Must have strong background in radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical research. Experience also must include supervisory and leadership experience.
OTHER:
Required: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 172256
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 181,650
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 226,500
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 272,475
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Soft
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: No
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
- Science Jobs: No
#LI-Onsite
