AnHorn Medicines is a dynamic drug discovery company focusing on the development of next-generation targeted protein degradation therapies. AnHorn’s AI-platform enables for the discovery of more drug-like, orally bioavailable protein degraders.
Position Summary
AnHorn is seeking a highly talented, industry experienced Head of Biology to join the Drug Discovery Leadership Team. This role will provide the opportunity to work on an exciting and dynamic range of drug discovery projects as part of a highly ambitious team. The Head of Biology will leverage their expertise to help drive the AnHorn drug discovery engine and support novel small molecule protein degradation programs. The candidate will be expected to flawlessly apply hands-on knowledge of cellular and biochemical screening assays, in vitro and in vivo efficacy models, for the identification, characterization and progression of protein-degradation-based medicines. Furthermore, the Head of Biology will demonstrate an ability to lead and work on multiple projects at any given time and provide leadership and guidance for less experienced team members through line-management and matrix-management relations.
Roles and Responsibilities
•Lead and coordinate the protein sciences, biochemistry and cell and molecular biology efforts in-house and at CROs for AnHorn’s internal pipeline and platform development
•Contribute to selection and prioritization of targets and indications for development of novel degraders, based on evaluation of target validation, tractability and competitive landscape
•Accountable for the team of business development in profiling AnHorn programs and scientific communication
•Lead and co-ordinate the set-up and execution of the company’s biology program including: Design of screening cascades to support medicinal chemistry efforts
•Target protein and cell line production
•Develop medium-throughput plate-based biochemical and biophysical assays for compound screening and characterization
•Develop functional and phenotypic cellular assays in recombinant and primary cells, including evaluation of protein degradation and mechanism of action studies
•Select and design of in vivo and translational studies
•Lead the experimental design, assay development and interpretation of results, being accountable for achieving project milestones and delivering on target objectives
•Be an effective member of AnHorn drug discovery project teams, contributing novel ideas and using judgement and knowledge where appropriate to influence the work of the project
•Independently communicate results to cross-functional project teams and update senior management on overall project strategy and goals
•Maintain an awareness of the current developments in the literature and identification of opportunities where improvements can be made
•Build a strong internal and external collaborative network centered on targeted protein degradation
•Support the organization by maintaining a work environment focused on scientific integrity and fostering learning, open communication and collaboration
Qualifications
•Ph.D. in Biology, Pharmacology, Cell biology or a related discipline with 8-10 years’ hands-on experience preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
•Experience of leading teams of scientists delivering to objectives across multiple drug discovery programs
•Strong hands-on experience in protein sciences and cellular biology techniques applied to development of physiologically relevant cellular assays together with expertise in the design, development and validation of cellular assays for compound profiling and screening applications in a drug discovery setting
•Expertise in a range of cell biology techniques, to include cloning, transfection methods, gene expression knock-down (RNAi or other) and endogenous gene tagging
•A practical understanding of a wide range of cellular assay methods and technologies (for example fluorescence, luminescence, mass spectrometry and target engagement techniques) as applied to a range of biological targets in drug discovery programs
•Strong understanding of pathways and targets in oncology including epigenetics, immune-oncology, cancer metabolism, DNA-damage repair, synthetic lethality
•Preferably the candidate will have a strong understanding and demonstrated performance in targeted protein degradation biology with proven experience on development of model systems capable of identifying therapeutic molecules that exploit endogenous cellular mechanisms of protein degradation
•Leadership and hands-on experience coordinating and managing outsourcing at CROs
•Expert knowledge of computer software and Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad and Prism)
•Excellent communication skills and able to present the rationale, key data, issues and accomplishments of the chemistry efforts to other members of the R&D organization
Personal attributes
Team oriented, goal-driven, organized, highly collaborative, open-minded, data-driven, creative, persistent in the face of obstacles and uncertainty, flexible, self-aware of strengths and weaknesses, objective in the evaluation of data and strongly optimistic about overcoming obstacles.
AnHorn is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.