SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION: Sarafan ChEM-H is a new interdisciplinary institute focused on connecting Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health. The institute was founded as a joint venture of the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences. The proximity of world-class biologists, chemists, engineers, and clinicians at Stanford presents a unique opportunity to study human biology at a molecular level, to translate this knowledge into groundbreaking products and services that promote healthy living, and to educate a new cadre of "physician-scientist-engineers" who will lead a rapidly evolving industry. The institute's Knowledge Centers serve as shared laboratories where trainees from diverse disciplines in science, engineering and medicine pursue projects under the mentorship of the center's Directors, thereby gaining hands-on skills in high-throughput screening, medicinal chemistry, metabolomics, protein chemistry, and structural biology.
The Innovative Medicines Accelerator (IMA) emerged out of Stanford's Long Range Vision and seeks to accelerate the translation of Stanford research discoveries into new medicines while expanding our knowledge of human biology.
Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:
We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.
POSITION SUMMARY: Stanford University is seeking a highly motivated scientist to serve as the Director of Cell and Gene Therapies for the Stanford Innovative Medicines Accelerator (IMA), a partnership between Sarafan ChEM-H and Stanford Medicine. The Director of Cell and Gene Therapies will play a critical role in enabling projects at multiple stages of the translational pipeline, helping to advance new medicines from prototyping through IND and manufacturing and into proof-of-concept clinical trials. Candidates must have extensive relevant industrial experience including evidence for scientific leadership in the discovery and preclinical development of first-in-class cell and/or gene therapies. Candidates should be self-starters, comfortable with autonomy, and embrace opportunities to tackle new problems and challenges as part of a dynamic team in a start-up-like environment within the University. Anyone at any career stage with relevant experience should feel encouraged to apply.
The Director of Cell and Gene Therapies will be a member of the scientific leadership team of the IMA, which also include experts in protein engineering, high-throughput screening, medicinal chemistry, and experimental human biology. The Director will also work in close coordination with the Center for Definitive and Curative Medicines (CDCM) and the Center for Cancer Cell Therapies (CCT) at Stanford University. The candidate will apply industry experience in cell and gene therapy to a portfolio of competitively selected projects and will also play a key role in identifying new projects from Stanford's faculty laboratories for the IMA's cell and gene therapy pipeline. The Director of Cell and Gene Therapies will also manage relationships with industrial partners and venture capital groups, where appropriate, for advancing portfolio projects along the translational pipeline.
CORE DUTIES:
Provide strategy and vision; make decisions that establish objectives for the overall direction and operation of the IMA Cell and Gene Therapies project portfolio.
Formulate and execute goal- and milestone-driven and resource-delineated workplans for selected drug prototyping projects, using advanced technical and professional knowledge requiring broad discretion and judgment.
Recruit and lead a core scientific team with the necessary technical expertise to complement the efforts of internal and external partners associated with every active project in the portfolio.
Collaborate with others to enable the success of portfolio projects by guiding PIs and their trainees through each step of the translational process while ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of research data and reagents by internal and external contract research organizations.
Develop policies and procedures as they relate to academic or program activities.
Implement, evaluate, and maintain quality control standards to ensure program success.
Establish, oversee, and manage financials and schedule for large programs and/or multiple projects.
Recommend the adoption of emerging technologies and the development of new methods and approaches.
Negotiate with internal departments and external agencies with authority to commit resources and effort.
Serve as a liaison to senior management, cross-functional areas, schools, and external organizations such as sponsors and government agencies.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Advanced degree and eight years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Experience leading complex scientific, engineering, or technical research projects or programs.
Detailed understanding of relevant business and technical knowledge and problem resolution.
Ability to synthesize and articulate technical and scientific methodologies, specifications, and information.
Knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, and resource management principles.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
Exceptional customer relationship and consensus building skills.
Ability to influence and establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment.
Ability to resolve complex issues quickly and make decisions that meet university objectives in a collaborative culture.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field strongly preferred.
5+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in cell and gene therapies.
Prior experience in technical and nontechnical writing.
Capacity to write and synthesize materials and communicate information in a manner easily understood.
Experience in managing technical tasks performed by Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work, use a telephone and use light/ fine grasping.
Occasionally write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Rarely stand, walk, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May require extended hours, evenings and weekends.
Some local travel.
Occasional overnight travel within CA and out of state.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
Why Stanford is for You Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
