Program Leader
Cambridge, MA
Research – Corporate /
Full-Time /
Hybrid
Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.
Summary of Position:
The Program Leader will be responsible for leading and enabling a development stage program team to develop and implement asset strategy and plan for our novel antimyostatin antibody therapeutic to address unmet need in cardiometabolic disorders with initial focus on obesity. Reporting to the Head of Research, the successful candidate will be a member of the research leadership team and the Portfolio Review Committee. He/She will guide the establishment of an aligned strategic vision for the asset, long-term objectives that further this vision, an integrated plan and near-term objectives to successfully advance the program through development. This position requires a highly motivated visionary leader with an entrepreneurial style to drive a high-functioning team to define the decision-making studies, path to clinical proof of concept and beyond, and align against the integrated development strategy.
Position Responsibilities:
- Lead a high performing cross-functional team, with focus on both the “what”, such as priorities, output, and resources, and also the “how” of maintaining a fulfilling, collaborative, and sustainable team environment.
- Establish an aligned Program vision and strategy for bringing a life-changing medicine to patients in need, clearly understood and enthusiastically supported by team members and broader Scholar Rock leadership.
- Partner with Scholar Rock leadership to ensure alignment between program team and overall corporate strategy.
- Sponsor the creation of the target product profile (TPP) in collaboration with new product planning and cross-functional representatives and in alignment with company leadership.
- Ensure that non-clinical, clinical, regulatory, and commercial strategies and plans are aligned with the TPP and the overall Program Strategy.
- Lead the cross-functional effort to develop and maintain currency of a strategic development strategy and plan, ensuring effective and timely execution of the plan.
- Assume ownership of program recommendations across stages of the program to achieve milestones and timelines.
- Maintain clear and open communication with Scholar Rock leadership and other stakeholders regarding program status, priorities, risks and needs, and facilitate appropriate strategic decision-making.
- Keep abreast of emerging developments regarding research and development in the fields of cardiometabolic disorders with focus on obesity.
- Build visible, constructive, and credible presence within KOL and patient community for relevant disease area.
- Participate in business development activities, including opportunity evaluations and due diligence.
- Responsibly steward the program budget in collaboration with finance.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, discovery, and cutting-edge research culture focused on scientific excellence, open communication, and continual improvement.
- Responsible for creating a high performing, engaged team with strong morale. Contributes to both the performance and development of team members. Serves as a champion for both the program and the team.
Candidate Requirements:
- Proven and respected leader with advanced degree in Medical or Life Science, MD, PhD or MBA or equivalent.
- 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical industry in leadership positions in drug development and proven track record of building and leading high performing cross-functional teams and driving programs through IND, early and late clinical stages.
- Experience in Cardiometabolic disorders, including obesity preferred.
- Proven acumen for cross-functional leadership and influencing without direct authority and guiding teams and organizations in making complex and high-stakes data-driven decisions.
- Displays a high degree of integrity, enthusiasm and operates from a framework of possibility.
- Strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness and ability to manage team dynamics and engage all levels of the organization.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain credible and trust-based relationships with external stakeholders, e.g. KOLs, patient advocacy groups, regulators or investors.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) and ability to communicate well with all stakeholders and teams.
- Comfort with ambiguity and ability to provide steadiness and consistency in an environment of shifting priorities, demands and timelines.
- Effective people-oriented collaboration skills in an environment with cross functional teams, contractors, resources, and third-party vendors.
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
