Job description
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Director Translational Pharmacology to drive the advancement of small molecule therapies from concept to clinical testing.
This role requires a strategic thinker with hands on experience applying his/her deep expertise in interpreting and integrating in vitro and cellular pharmacology data to inform program direction, support candidate selection, and craft a compelling scientific narrative.
This role works closely with laboratory scientists to guide experimental design, ensure data quality, and translate findings into actionable insights that support translational strategy and regulatory interactions.
Your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Strategic Leadership: Guide, design and support preclinical in vitro and in vivo strategies to advance pipeline molecules.
* Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists conducting in vitro experiments—including biochemical, cellular, and target engagement assays—at our Bio-Incubator labs in Leuven, Belgium.
* Laboratory Excellence: Ensure a high-performing lab environment by overseeing equipment procurement and workflow setup aligned with cutting-edge standards.
* Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues to drive molecules from discovery to early development and clinical stages within budget and timelines.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Present scientific data to internal and external stakeholders
* Data Analysis & Interpretation: Analyze complex datasets, perform statistical evaluations, generate visual representations, and communicate findings effectively.
* Regulatory Documentation: Author and oversee the preparation of regulatory documents and required study reports.
* On-site presence in our Leuven facility is required weekly.
This function reports into the CSO.
Job requirements
* PhD with postdoctoral experience in Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
* Minimum of 15 years of industry experience, with at least 3 years in biotech, with a focus on neuromuscular and/or cardiovascular diseases.
* Proven track record in in vitro assay development, including biochemical, cellular and flow cytometry based assays.
* Participated actively in small molecule optimization from hit to lead to IND stage.
* Deep understanding of pharmacological principles and nonclinical study design for target engagement, proof of mechanism, and exposure-response.
* Expertise in clinical and preclinical biomarker strategies using proteomics and transcriptomics approaches.
* Demonstrated success in advancing drug candidates from lead optimization through late preclinical development.
* Strong project management skills, including oversight of CROs and coordination with academic and industry partners.
* Experience in authoring regulatory documents is a plus.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicat complex data across multidisciplinary teams.
* Data-driven, rigorous, and curious scientist with high standards and a collaborative mindset.
* Hands-on, solution-oriented approach with a strong sense of ownership.
* Inspirational leader and mentor with a passion for team development.
* Entrepreneurial spirit, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
* Committed to delivering results while fostering a fun and engaging workplace culture.
* Resilient under pressure and open to change.
* Fluent in English.
* Our offices are located at the Bio-Incubator in Leuven. You should be entitled to work and live in Belgium.
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