Project Team Leader, Biology

Jobtailor; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior oncology biology leader to guide multiple discovery programs from target validation through IND-enabling studies. The role emphasizes targeted protein degradation and antibody-drug conjugates, with oversight of in vivo and in vitro plans and CRO partnerships.

You will mentor junior scientists, collaborate cross-functionally with chemistry, DMPK, and translational teams, and translate strategic research into actionable workplans while monitoring risk and data

Qualifications

• PhD in cancer biology or related field with 8+ years of experience, or MS with 12+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated record of independently leading discovery programs.
• Proven track record advancing oncology discovery programs toward IND.
• Experience with targeted protein degradation including PROTACs, E3 ligases, and molecular glues.
• Experience with antibody-drug conjugates and target/antigen selection.
• Ability to design and interpret in vivo oncology pharmacology studies (xenograft/PDX, PK/PD).
• Experience managing CRO-run studies and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the biology strategy and execution for oncology discovery programs.
• Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo plans for degrader candidates.
• Serve as biology representative on cross-functional teams.
• Translate strategy into workplans, timelines, and go/no-go criteria.
• Coordinate and oversee in vivo studies, CRO management, and data integrity.
• Mentor and provide scientific guidance to junior scientists.
• Analyze and communicate data and program status to leadership.
• Contribute to target evaluation, portfolio strategy, and new concepts.

Skills

Target Validation

Hit-To-Lead

Lead Optimization

IND-Enabling Studies

E3 Ligase Biology

Molecular Glues

Degradation Assays

Xenograft/PDX Studies

PK/PD Analysis

Efficacy Studies

Mentoring

Data Communication

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

PhD in Cancer Biology

Master's degree in related field

Tools

CRO Management

Dosing Design

Data Integrity

Job description

• Lead the biology strategy and execution for one or more oncology discovery programs spanning target validation, hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies
• Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo plans for degrader and degrader antibody conjugate candidates
• Serve as the biology representative on cross-functional project teams with chemistry, DMPK, toxicology, CMC, and translational functions
• Translate research strategy into workplans, timelines, and go/no-go criteria; anticipate risks and propose data-driven mitigations
• Coordinate and oversee in vivo studies, including scoping, CRO selection and management, dosing design, and data integrity
• Mentor and provide scientific guidance to junior scientists
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate data and program status to research leadership and the broader organization
• Contribute to target evaluation, portfolio strategy, and new program concepts

Requirements

• PhD in cancer biology, molecular/cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field, with 8+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 12+ years of commensurate experience
• Demonstrated record of independently leading discovery programs
• Demonstrated track record advancing oncology discovery programs toward IND
• Program-level or hands-on experience with targeted protein degradation, including E3 ligase biology, molecular glues and/or PROTACs, ternary complex formation, and degradation assays
• Experience with antibody-drug conjugates, including target/antigen selection, internalization, linker-payload biology, DAR, bystander effect, and characterization
• Ability to design and interpret in vivo oncology pharmacology studies, including xenograft/PDX, PK/PD, and efficacy
• Experience managing CRO-run studies
• Strong record of cross-functional collaboration across discovery and development
• U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S.; employer unable to sponsor or transfer at this time
• Ability to pass a background investigation

Core Competencies

Expertise in leading oncology discovery programs, including target validation and IND-enabling studies, with a strong focus on targeted protein degradation and antibody-drug conjugates. Proven ability to mentor junior scientists and collaborate cross-functionally to drive research strategy and execution.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• PhD In Cancer Biology
• Targeted Protein Degradation
• Antibody-Drug Conjugates
• In Vivo Oncology Pharmacology Studies
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Target Validation
• Hit-To-Lead
• Lead Optimization
• IND-Enabling Studies
• E3 Ligase Biology
• Molecular Glues
• Degradation Assays
• Xenograft/PDX Studies
• PK/PD Analysis
• Efficacy Studies

Soft Skills

• Mentoring
• Scientific Guidance
• Data Communication

Industry Keywords

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Biology

Tools & Technologies

• CRO Management
• Dosing Design
• Data Integrity