Senior Director, Preclinical Program Lead

New York City, New York
Research – Translational Neuroscience /
Full-time /
On-site
BlueRock Therapeutics is at the forefront of cellular therapy, dedicated to developing groundbreaking medicines that significantly improve patients' lives suffering from neurological and ophthalmological disease. We are seeking a highly collaborative and dynamic individual to join our New York City site (in person) as a Preclinical Program Lead, Retinal Cell Therapies and Translational Neuroscience. The role has two primary focus areas in acting as Program Lead for the OpCT-002/003 preclinical program and Translational Neuroscience Coordinator for BlueRock’s preclinical assets. Reporting directly to the CSO, this role will be instrumental in advancing our cell+gene pipeline. This role requires significant industry experience and specific, deep knowledge of retinal cell biology, along with demonstrated clinical development experience.

This is an ideal opportunity for a clinical developer who is passionate about research, or vice versa, eager to bridge the gap between early discovery and patient impact.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented scientist to make a tangible impact on a new class of medicines and gain invaluable career experience within the cell therapy field. You'll join a highly motivated, world-class team of scientists and engineers in an exciting and engaging work environment.

Responsibilities

    • 1. Preclinical Program Lead, OpCT-002/003 (Matrixed Management):
    • · Serve as the biology subject matter expert and an intellectual contributor for our preclinical OpCT-002/003 program, which is entirely executed by our external collaborator, Opsis Therapeutics (https://www.bluerocktx.com/bluerock-therapeutics-fujifilm-cellular-dynamics-and-opsis-therapeutics-enter-into-a-strategic-rd-alliance-to-discover-and-develop-cell-therapies-for-eye-diseases/) .
    • · Provide matrixed management and oversight of this collaborative program, ensuring alignment with BlueRock's strategic goals and efficient progression through development stage gates towards an IND.
    • · Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Opsis Therapeutics investigators and key opinion leaders in the field.

    • 2. Translational Neuroscience Coordinator:
    • · Coordinate translational neuroscience approaches across BlueRock's preclinical assets.
    • · Develop and execute a robust preclinical translational strategy, including the identification and validation of biomarkers and imaging biomarkers to support program advancement.
    • · Interface seamlessly with Program Leads, our in vivo team lead and colleagues from our Development team, including Clinical, Toxicology, and Commercial, to ensure a cohesive and integrated development strategy.
    • · Actively contribute to aligning clinical strategy with a strong focus on patient outcomes and fulfilling a clear commercial need.
    • · Establish, grow, and maintain key relationships with global leaders in retinal cell biology, cell and gene therapy, and translational medicine fields, including BlueRock Advisory Boards.

Requirements

    • PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Retinal Cell Biology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline, or an M.D. · 12+ years of relevant, full-time industry or academic lab experience, with a significant portion gained within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
    • Demonstrated experience in clinical development, including understanding of regulatory pathways and the translation of preclinical findings into clinical trials.
    • Deep knowledge of retinal cell biology, regenerative medicine, screening assays, and biomarkers.
    • Proven experience in developing preclinical translational strategies, including the identification and implementation of biomarkers and imaging biomarkers.
    • Proven ability to lead by example within a matrixed, dynamic, and high-growth team, championing and advancing novel concepts within cross-functional teams.
    • Experience managing research relationships with external partners
    • An innovative, results-oriented, and solutions-focused mindset with exceptional critical thinking skills.
    • Demonstrated track record in scientific research within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.