Principal Scientist
The Principal Scientist will join the Oncology Pharmacology group efforts in the preclinical pharmacological characterization and development of small molecules and biologics with an emphasis on immune modulators for the treatment of cancer. The Principal Scientist will be responsible for managing 3 scientists, monitoring the Pharmacology strategy of Oncology programs run by the department while directly leading the pharmacology of some oncology projects himself. The successful candidate will also directly and independently drive in vivo and ex vivo oncology studies for multiple research programs across the different stages of preclinical drug discovery. The location is Beerse, Belgium.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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Independently design, execute, and interpret complex in vivo studies for the validation and characterization of targets or therapeutic agents in the areas of oncology and tumor immunology, including efficacy and pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamics (PK/ PD) biomarker studies in rodents
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Establish and perform in vivo model development, including the improvement, adaptation, or change to existing research methods
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Develop research solutions that require extensive analyses and detailed investigation
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May perform bioluminescent imaging studies using molecular reporters or disseminated/ metastatic disease models
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May contribute to ex vivo analysis of tumor or immune cells by flow cytometry, IHC, ELISA, RT-PCR, or Luminex®
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Will manage multiple projects simultaneously, including working within a matrixed research environment to coordinate with project leaders and other functions
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Analyze data using appropriate statistical methods and present data in a professional format suitable for external publication
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Contribute to various projects outside of his/her own, collaborate with stakeholders from all relevant functions, and keep up-to-date in the literature related to his/her field
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Act as an expert resource on project teams, and demonstrate clear and professional verbal and written communication in English.
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Initiate and maintain external collaborations (contract research organizations, academics)
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A PhD degree in Life Sciences (cellular/ molecular biology, pharmacology, tumor immunology), with at least 5 years of relevant in vivo pharmacology experience is required
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Ability for cell culture of cancer or immune cells and the use of humanized models is important
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Experience with oncology relevant rodent models – xenografts, syngeneic, primary grafts, orthotopic, humanized models, or genetically engineered tumor models.
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Preferred experience with small molecules and biologics for oncology
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Strong skills in tumor implantation techniques and dosing (po, iv, ip, routes), tumor measurement, health monitoring, and data collection and analyses are required.
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Experience with bioluminescent imaging, flow cytometry, IHC, ELISA, RT-PCR, Westerns, or Luminex® is desirable.
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Ability to effectively present scientific data and concepts to colleagues and teams is critical, and experience presenting at external meetings is also required
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with people, internally and externally, is required
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Excellent data management and record-keeping skills are required
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Proven track record of adherence to animal welfare and compliance regulations is critical
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Experiences in writing technical drafts for patent filings, IND (US-FDA) or CTA (EMA) filings are desirable.
Other Requirements
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Verbal and written fluency in English
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Hiring will be contingent upon accreditation or certification by the Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations or similar foreign certification, or completion of the necessary coursework/ training/ examination to meet Belgian National Authorities standard for animal research within 6 months of hire.