Head of Platform Biology
Deep Genomics
Cambridge, MA, USA
Posted on Nov 27, 2024
About Us
Deep Genomics is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to transform drug discovery. Our proprietary AI platform decodes the complexity of RNA biology to identify novel drug targets, mechanisms, and therapeutics inaccessible through traditional methods. With expertise spanning machine learning, bioinformatics, data science, and drug discovery, our multidisciplinary team in Toronto and Cambridge, MA is revolutionizing how new medicines are created.
About the Role
Reporting to the CSO, the Head of Platform Biology will define, grow, and manage a team responsible for applying the Deep Genomics AI platform to prioritize drug targets and design highly optimized lead molecules across a range of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities including ASOs, siRNA, mRNAs, and gene editors. The successful candidate will have deep experience applying state-of-the-art high throughput methods in early stage drug development, and demonstrated expertise in cell biology, assay development, functional genomics, and preclinical animal models. The candidate should be comfortable working in an advanced data and computing environment. As one of the first hires in our new Cambridge Facility, this individual must be a builder - capable of providing strategic leadership as a subject matter expert and champion of new ideas - and serve as an effective mentor to a growing team.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with stakeholders across the organization to define and execute a strategy that grows the AI platform to unlock new genetic medicines.
- Develop a biology-focused screening platform to support multiple AI platform goals.
- Lead screening campaigns from target selection through hit finding and validation in preclinical animal models, leveraging the AI platform as appropriate.
- Deliver proof of concept data for optimized molecules that demonstrate value of our AI-platform.
- Evaluate, triage, and cross-validate targets discovered using Deep Genomics platform by orthogonal approaches including functional genomics, mechanistic biology, biochemistry, and disease models.
- Contribute to key corporate initiatives to advance findings from the AI platform into clinical development through strategic partnering and business development activities.
- Build an environment & culture focused on generating high-quality proprietary data.
- Serve as the subject matter expert on cell biology & therapeutics development in setting strategy on initiatives to validate and expand the platform in close collaboration with the machine learning, Target ID, and Genomics teams.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, accountability, interpersonal and mentorship skills.
- Present in internal and external venues, and publish in peer-reviewed journals as appropriate.
Basic Qualifications:
- PhD in the biological sciences with 15+ years of experience in relevant roles (or equivalent) working in early-stage drug development focused on target validation and nucleic acid therapies.
- 8+ years building, managing, and leading teams successfully to meet goals of the organization, partners, and patients.
- Breadth of therapeutic area expertise, and exposure to multiple therapeutic modalities - ideally including gene editing and RNA-targeted therapies.
- Well versed in target discovery via human genetics, with a focus on experimental validation of novel target hypotheses.
- Proven ability to work independently and cross-functionally with highly skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technical environment.
- Strong managerial qualities, including a strategic and scientifically oriented mindset, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, emotional intelligence, credibility, integrity, creativity, and a willingness to have ideas challenged by team members and to challenge them.
- Ability to organize and communicate complex data sets in a clear and concise manner to key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
- Prior experience working with or leading collaborations with external biotechnology, academic, and contract research organizations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- The current areas of focus are genetically defined targets in the liver and CNS, so familiarity with corresponding cell models, animal models, and delivery systems would be beneficial.
- Hands-on experience developing and running industrialized NGS-based workflows is preferred.
- Strong computational background or demonstrated ability to interface with computational biology teams to develop scalable analytical tools.
- Experience with multi-site project management and team leadership.
What we offer:
- A highly competitive salary, a meaningful equity ownership stake in Deep Genomics, and exceptional opportunities for learning and growth.
- Company paid benefits.
- You’ll also be joining a bright, collegial, highly-motivated group working at the intersection of two of the most exciting areas of science and technology: AI and biotechnology.
Deep Genomics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Deep Genomics thanks all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.