Director, Research Jobs

Aspen is looking for a Director, Research, with strong scientific and team leadership experience in cell therapy. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with senior leaders cross-functionally to spearhead initiatives and has a track record of driving projects from ideas into the next level of development, IND enabling studies or pre-clinical to clinical initiatives. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of a growing, patient-centered organization, with a focus on innovation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate and maintain external collaborations with academic research groups and consult with key thought leaders to support preclinical and clinical development.
• Present research findings clearly and effectively at internal and external meetings; prepare study reports, regulatory documents, and other documentation to support R&D operations; publish research in peer-reviewed journals and support filing of patents.
• Communicate and advise senior management on key scientific, technical, and operational issues and challenges, providing recommended course correction plan of action.
• Oversee and direct research group activities to ensure the vision for the team is executed in an expeditious manner.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional research and development teams; contributing as a subject matter expert in teams and with key stakeholders also supporting tech transfer process when needed.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration both within the Research department and with other functional groups across the organization.
• Lead both internal and external collaborations, managing progress updates and reports.
• Partner with senior management in developing the vision for research and development activities.
• Supervise, develop, and mentor scientists and cultivate a positive culture within the organization.
• Work closely with other team leaders within R&D to set objectives, prioritize research programs, develop and implement research plans aligned with corporate objectives, and allocate resources to maximize efficiency, productivity, creativity, and scientific rigor.
• Develop product concepts and candidates derived from iPSCs. Provide technical expertise and oversight for internal and external collaborative research programs to define product attributes and the functional utility of iPSC derived product candidates.
• Maintain a scientific knowledge base relevant to cell therapy projects, including state-of-the-art regulatory landscape, developmental principles and theories, new methods, and technologies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience leading scientific groups with a strong track record of success of previous scientific programs.
• Experience with the cellular therapy discovery and development process.
• Ph.D. with minimum 6 years’ relevant experience in the biotech, pharma, or biologics industry or BS in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related scientific discipline and minimum 10 years relevant experience.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

• Recognized as an expert in the field.
• Knowledge of the cell therapy developmental pathway. Act as a strategic resource for complex problem solving.
• Strong teambuilding and leadership skills that are effective in a fast-moving start-up environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate ideas and strategies.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity, technical proficiency, and knowledge of scientific concepts.
• Ability to effectively lead teams of varying levels and personalities.
• In-depth knowledge of stem cell and iPSC biology.
• Ability to assess risk and develop contingency plans.

EEO and Employment Eligibility:

Aspen Neuroscience is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Total Rewards and Culture:

Aspen Neuroscience, Inc., located in scenic Torrey Pines, is noted for its collaborative and learning focused culture where each person is valued for contributing their strengths and energy to building a world-class line of products for patients in need. The company offers a competitive total compensation package, time-off in addition to Company observed holidays, Medical/Dental insurance benefits, onsite gym, and other wellness perks.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego is $158K to $252K annually. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Aspen Neuroscience is multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.