Senior Director, Biotherapeutics Discovery

Company Overview

Beam Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to establishing the leading, fully integrated platform for precision genetic medicines. To achieve this vision, Beam has assembled a platform that includes a suite of gene editing and delivery technologies and is in the process of building internal manufacturing capabilities. Beam’s suite of gene editing technologies is anchored by base editing, a proprietary technology that is designed to enable precise, predictable and efficient single base changes, at targeted genomic sequences, without making double-stranded breaks in the DNA. This has the potential to enable a wide range of potential therapeutic editing strategies that Beam has used to advance a diversified portfolio of base editing programs, including four programs to the clinic. Beam’s lead program, BEAM-101 has recently demonstrated clinical validation in Sickle cell disease through upregulation of fetal hemoglobin in patients. Beam is a values-driven organization committed to its people, cutting-edge science, and a vision of providing life-long cures to patients suffering from serious diseases.

Position Overview:

In addition to BEAM-101, a potentially best-in-class engineered autologous cell therapy for Sickle cell disease, we have developed a highly innovative technology platform called ESCAPE. Through a creative combination of our base-editing technology and an antibody, we aim to avoid toxic chemotherapy regimens in sickle cell disease as well as expand the applications of this technology platform to address other unmet medical need. We are looking for an experienced and innovative drug developer to lead our Biotherapeutics team. In this key leadership position, you will lead a group of scientists to discover and develop novel biotherapeutics for a variety of applications to enhance and/or complement Beam’s gene editing efforts across many indications. You will define the overall strategy and be responsible for oversight of all antibody discovery, bioconjugation and characterization activities required to produce novel antibody, antibody-drug conjugate and protein-based therapeutics.  You will work closely with the protein sciences, the computational biology, the hematology, the immunology and drug delivery scientists at Beam to coordinate testing of candidate therapeutics.  In addition, you will be responsible for coordinating activities with external partners and CROs, and work closely with senior management and the key governing boards of the company.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the biotherapeutics discovery group. Develop and execute strategic and operational plans, balance short- and long-term needs with internal and external capacity.
• Provide scientific oversight and expertise to prioritize among approaches and work with company scientists in multidisciplinary teams to design, execute and interpret experiments needed to achieve key milestones.
• Effectively communicate and interface with internal and external scientific colleagues, management, and staff, to develop company scientific goals, report progress and anticipate challenges.
• Supervise preparation of technical reports for patent applications, IND applications and scientific publications.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or related discipline. Qualified candidates should have 10+ years of industrial experience including a leadership position in a biologics drug discovery or drug development setting. Expertise in ADC/DAC development preferred.
• Broad domain knowledge, strong leadership skills and a proven record of success leading internal and external (CRO) groups to discover and develop novel biotherapeutics in an industry setting.
• Track record of screening and advancing novel antibody, antibody-drug conjugate and protein therapeutics from discovery through development as well as through GMP production.
• A clear understanding of preclinical studies required for IND filing including experience interacting with CMC, Regulatory and Safety teams.
• Strong understanding of analytical techniques used to characterize protein-based therapeutics preclinically and clinically as well as an understanding of linker technologies used for conjugation of small molecule payloads to protein therapeutics
• Excellent analytical, communication, organizational and presentation skills essential.
• The successful candidate must have strong interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate and communicate across disciplines, as well as excellent written and oral skills.
• Ability to adapt to increasing scope and complexity of work brought on by growth/change and helps others manage through change.
• Knowledge of industry trends and ability to utilize that knowledge to determine the most efficient ways to meet business needs
• This is a Cambridge, MA based role. Candidates are expected to come onsite