Translational Oncology Lead (Director level)

Position Summary

You will be responsible for driving and leveraging preclinical knowledge of novel investigational agents to successfully translate our understanding of tumor biology and immunology into competitive clinical therapeutic development strategies. You will combine a deep understanding of cancer mechanisms with expertise in biospecimen analysis (preclinical models through Phase 1 Trials). Design and execution of clinical translational MoA/POC studies will inform drug development decisions that facilitate forward and reverse translational learning.

You will identify preclinical program MoA gaps/risks and will utilize actionable data from preclinical models to address the clinical development plan strategy. You will lead the analysis of human patient specimens from clinical studies using state of the art platforms and novel technologies and external collaborative partnerships that will leverage primary/secondary MoAs, review of safety biomarkers, and inform patient stratification strategies to increase positive outcomes in early clinical development. Investigation into mechanism of response and resistance will prioritize new indications for therapeutic candidates. Further, these efforts will identify target patient populations with additional focus applied to pharmacodynamic assessments of target engagement and PK/PD relationships, enabling dose-finding decisions and providing data for rational combination designs.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Accountable for the development of scientifically rigorous preclinical and clinical translational research strategies that assess Proof Mechanism, establish early Signs of Efficacy, illuminate mechanisms of resistance, and drive combinations
• Work closely with in vivo pharmacology to capture translational understanding in animal models that can translate to clinical investigation
• Translational biology functional lead for experimental therapeutics programs to represent molecule teams at internal governance reviews
• Partner collaboratively across integrated, multi-functional clinical program teams encompassing development (e.g., preclinical modelling, clinical, clinical pharmacology, statistics, development operations) and research (e.g., close interactions with biology and computational scientists), clinical biomarker assay specialists, diagnostics and research program/asset leaders.
• Analyze, interpret and report results of clinical biomarker analyses, including support of regulatory filings, and serve as Translational expert at program team interactions with Health Authorities (HA).
• Innovate with academic collaborators to expand clinical translational research; participate in advisory boards as needed.
• Work with external contract research organizations and vendors to execute biomarker analyses
• Support development of companion diagnostic tests as needed.
• Ensure a close relationship and partnership with internal/external colleagues while upholding an enterprise and patient mindset and fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.

Key Requirements

• Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD, MD/PhD, Pharm. D.), with focus on cancer biology and/or immunology and a minimum of 7 years of experience in oncology drug discovery and development 
• Advanced understanding of modern cancer biology, multi-omics and immuno-oncology in translational research Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials 
• Understanding of preclinical modelling that can inform clinical development plan (CDP) evolution
• Demonstrated excellence in designing, execution and interpreting cancer biomarkers studies in preclinical modelling and clinical trials, including biomarker development, validation and clinical application
• Experience driving effective interactions at the interface between lab bench-based research and early clinical development up to proof of concept studies.
• Strong publication track record of primary research in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals
• Experience building connections by developing positive, collaborative partnerships that drive sustainable business results
• Experience with clinical protocol design, clinical trial operations, clinical trial biospecimen logistics, analytical and clinical validation of biomarker assays, and vendor interactions
• Experience leveraging genomic and molecular information from patients with extraordinary responses in early-stage clinical trials to guide clinical development
• Direct experience and/or familiarity with novel technologies applicable to cancer biomarker and/or immune response analysis (e.g., next-generation sequencing, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, gene expression profiling, or digital image analysis)
• Experience with multiple modalities (e.g., small molecules, nanoparticles, antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies)

 
Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.

Relocation support available

Work Location Assignment: Flexible

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $150,900.00 to $251,400.00. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Salary range does not apply to the Tampa, FL location.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Pfizer requires all U.S. new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment.  As required by applicable law, Pfizer will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations.  These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure.  Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act.  Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government.  If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.  Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.  Pfizer is an E-Verify employer.

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