Galderma, the world's largest independent global dermatology company, was created in 1981 and is now present in over 100 countries with an extensive product portfolio of prescription medicines, aesthetics solutions and consumer care products. The company partners with health care practitioners around the world to meet the skin health needs of people throughout their lifetime. Galderma is a leader in research and development of scientifically-defined and medically-proven solutions for the skin. For more information, please visit www.galderma.com.
We have an excellent career opportunity based in the Lausanne area of Switzerland for an exciting role as:
Head of Translational Research
The Head of Translational Research will be based in Switzerland and will lead the bridging of preclinical research in immunology and inflammation (I&I) to clinical study design and interpretation. Explicitly, this position will be fully hands-on for First-in-Man / Proof-of-Concept (FIM/POC) studies, to be done in complete alignment and collaboration with the Global Development team, as it represents the earliest stage of development. This position from Research (which is actually a bridge position to DEV) will work hand-in-hand with the Head of Global Development on this part of clinical development, in addition to helping with the application of biomarker/genomics/transcriptomics-based stratification learnings to even later stages of study design and development. She/He will have a deep understanding of immunology, dermatology, and clinical trial issues. She/He will have: I&I research experience using animal experimentation and modern biological research technology, especially in cellular & molecular immunology, biomarker discovery (using all modern methods) and interpretation; excellent writing and presentation skills; success in her/his field of technical expertise; and be a recognized scientific leader as evidenced by extensive publications in peer-reviewed scientific and/or medical journals. Through a matrix organization and/or direct reporting lines, she/he will liaise with Global Program Leaders and Development stakeholders; manage Ph.D. level scientists, research associates and external collaborations/contracts; and provide hands-on management of outsourced laboratory work as required. She/He will also provide strategic scientific and operational advice to the Head of Discovery in business development settings. The ideal candidate will have expertise in discovery and building a preclinical data set to support IND filings for both biologics and SMEs; establishing and running preclinical studies to support and resolve ongoing issues in dermatology clinical trials; and working with a global clinical development team to assist in patient stratification and assessing power and design for those studies.
The Head of Translational Research will assume management of Translational Research and work towards bridging immunology-based, pre-clinical research (in vitro and animal modeling) to meet R&D and company goals, with a particular focus on the discovery and application of biomarkers, genomics and other factors toward patient stratification and personalized medicine approaches in clinical trials and higher value commercial launches. This senior position will report to the Head of Discovery and will focus initially on the company's preparation for the launch of nemolizumab in Atopic Dermatitis & Prurigo Nodularis.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Run the Translational Research function and import technological advances to meet goals
• Provide support for Head of Discovery
• Provide solutions to current product development issues of Galderma’s Rx GBU
• Be an advocate for new product development and technology opportunities
• Interact productively with other Galderma functional groups, external partners and collaborators
• Provides high level product development capabilities
• Provides strategic direction, manages direct reports (if necessary) and collaborates with all company employees to meet personal, departmental and company goals
• Presents budget estimates and manages budgets to meet department and company goals
• Directs and manages translational research in support of regulatory submissions either in-house or with outside contractors
• Establishes and checks compliance with research and operating procedures and related documentation in areas of responsibility to support regulatory affairs, QA, global development and clinical trials
• Writes reports and documents in support of regulatory or other submissions, scientific white papers, patents, abstract and manuscripts for publication
• Makes presentations to internal and external entities and represents the company in areas of responsibility and expertise including for financial and business development audiences
• Performs other duties as required.
Education and Training:
• PhD in Immunology or closely related field; Preference will be made for combination MD/PhD credentials.
• Significant post-doctoral or medical fellowship training in immunology, bench-to-bedside research, translational medicine or equivalent experience
• All else being equal, experience in translational medicine for oncology will suffice in place of dermatology.
Work experience:
• Minimum 12 years post-Ph.D. work or equivalent
• Minimum 8-12 years industrial Pharma/Biotech experience or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years in a Translational Medicine/Translational Research position that includes bridging preclinical or clinical research-derived biomarker discovery to clinical trial design or modification.