Project Team Leader, Neuroscience

About the Role

The Drug Discovery Group at Xaira Therapeutics seeks an accomplished

neuroscientist to identify and validate potential targets and lead a team to perform

in vitro and in vivo research to characterize hit and lead matter to enable

identification of drug candidate(s).

The project team leader will develop and execute a neuroscience therapeutic

strategy in alignment with corporate goals and key scientific objectives. You will lead

team members in identifying and validating targets, designing and performing in

vitro and in vivo assays, and analyzing results. You will liaise with molecular design

and generation, toxicology, immunology, bioanalytical, and clinical development

colleagues. As programs advance, you will develop plans to address and reduce

risks in collaboration with key stakeholders to help progress into clinical studies.

You will manage project activities and professional development of a team of

scientists; advance scientific expertise within the neuroscience function and

collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to advance programs from research to

development. You will also develop forward looking strategies to identify and

implement novel assays, measurements, and technologies that increase throughput,

quality, and reproducibility of research results. You will ensure the quality and

effectiveness of key project results through sound design, early risk assessments,

and implementation of backup strategies. You will identify and integrate emerging

scientific trends from internal and external sources into short-term organizational

objectives. In addition, you will be responsible for data management, data QC, and

technical report writing; author regulatory documents in compliance with

regulations, including protocols, study reports, relevant sections of investigator

brochures and INDs, and other similar documents, and present program updates and

research strategies to functional and non-functional leaders as well as potential and

existing partners.

About You

You have a strong background in neuroscience, experience in electrophysiology,

neuronal isolation/derivation and culture, and a proven record of successfully

leading diverse project teams to produce novel therapeutics. You have experience

with project conception, strategic planning, budgeting, and both leading as well as [{{type}} Annotation]

contributing to cross-functional and matrixed teams. Additionally, you have a

working knowledge of various research areas including neuroscience, biochemistry,

toxicology, and histology.

You can lead by influence and maintain a productive, collaborative, and inclusive

laboratory environment in compliance with regulatory and company expectations.

A key role for the position is partnering with senior management to conceive and

provide strategic direction and vision for neuroscience-related programs while

leading a team responsible for technical execution. Strong communication skills are

essential, as the candidate must be able to tailor interactions with technical teams

and represent the program and strategy to executive-level management.

Qualifications

PhD and postdoctoral studies in Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or

equivalent field with a robust publication record in leading scientific journals.

5 - 10+ years of work experience in biotech or pharma with target

identification/validation and drug discovery and development.

Extensive experience with neuropharmacological assays, focusing on

electrophysiology and in vivo pharmacology in an industrial research

environment, with 5-10+ years of experience managing teams and cross-

functional projects.

Proven track record of driving early to late-stage development programs.

Extensive knowledge and experience in neuroscience, both central and

peripheral.

Conversant in ion channel biochemistry, toxicology and histological assays

and methods.

Extremely organized and experienced with documentation of experimental

plans, budget, timelines, and technical reports.

Experience in authoring and QCing technical reports and regulatory

documents.

Highly organized and self-directed, capable of leading multiple complex

research programs in parallel.

Detailed oriented and precise in written and oral communication.

Ability to critically analyze data and lead teams to solve issues and make best

strategic decisions.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse groups

within the organization and external partners.

Knowledge of pharmaceutical development processes, including lead

characterization, CMC considerations, and GxP tox & safety.

Experience evaluating internal and external research and development

programs.

Proven team leadership and management abilities, including experience

mentoring, guiding, supervising, and developing scientific personnel with

various backgrounds and training levels.

Ability to create an inclusive environment where diverse ideas, viewpoints and

backgrounds are valued; willingness and ability to lead inclusively and

demonstrate a commitment to listen and consider all points of view.

Compensation

The specific compensation package for each role depends on factors including experience, qualifications and level.

We anticipate the range for this role to be $150,000 to $230,000 per year.

Xaira Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration, and we welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.