Director/Associate Director, Radiochemistry

Company: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Location: San Diego
Posted on: November 13, 2024

Job Description:

Director/Associate Director, Radiochemistry
Working with UsChallenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren't words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You'll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams rich in diversity. Take your career farther than you thought possible.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.
RayzeBio, a Bristol Myers Squibb company, is a dynamic biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company is focused on improving survival of people with cancer by harnessing the power of targeted radioisotopes. RayzeBio is developing innovative drugs against targets of solid tumors. Led by a successful and experienced entrepreneurial team, RayzeBio aims to be the global leader in radiopharmaceuticals.
The Director/Associate Director of Radiochemistry will lead the Discovery Radiochemistry group within the Chemistry Department. The position is responsible for developing and implementing radiochemical strategies to support drug discovery and therapeutic programs. The role includes overseeing the design, synthesis, and optimization of radiolabeled small molecules, peptides, and other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Additionally, the role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, and Pharmacology, to integrate radiochemistry efforts into broader drug discovery initiatives.
This position requires expertise in handling various radioisotopes for imaging and therapy, chelation chemistry, and working across multiple modalities such as peptides, small molecules, and antibodies. The Director/Associate Director will also be responsible for innovating radiochemistry and radiobiology-based assays, designing biodistribution and efficacy studies, and collaborating with external partners to advance projects.
The individual will manage project timelines, deliverables, and resources, while leading and mentoring a team of radiochemists, and fostering a collaborative research environment.
Key Responsibilities:

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• Lead the Radiochemistry Discovery group within the Chemistry Department, driving innovation and excellence.
  
• Develop and implement cutting-edge radiochemical strategies to support drug discovery and therapeutic projects.
  
• Oversee the design, synthesis, and optimization of radiolabeled small molecules, peptides, and other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
  
• Collaborate effectively with teams in Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, and other departments to integrate radiochemistry into broader drug discovery initiatives.
  
• Innovate and develop radiochemistry and radiobiology-based assays to enhance drug discovery processes.
  
• Work closely with In-Vivo/Vitro and Imaging teams to design biodistribution, efficacy studies, and screening processes.
  
• Establish and maintain strong collaborations with CROs, industry partners, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to advance the pipeline.
  
• Act as a thought leader in the Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) space, keeping abreast of industry developments and introducing novel concepts and methodologies.
  
• Partner with the Intellectual Property (IP) team to devise IP filing strategies and manage filings related to assigned projects.
  
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of radiochemists, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
  
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones and timelines are met from discovery through preclinical stages.
  
• Effectively manage internal and external resources, including budgets, to meet corporate objectives.
  
• Set clear project goals, timelines, and deliverables, while monitoring progress against these metrics.
  
  Education and Experience Requirements:
  
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  • Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, a B.S. degree with 12+ years of experience, an M.S. degree with 10+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
    
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a primary focus on radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical development.
    
  • A minimum of 4 years in a leadership or managerial role within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.
    
  • Proven expertise in radiochemistry involving peptides, small molecules, and other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
    
  • Demonstrated experience in designing novel chelators for diagnostic and therapeutic radiometals.
    
  • Strong track record of advancing compounds from discovery through preclinical development.
    
    Skills and Qualifications:
    
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    • Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to drive productivity and foster a positive environment in a dynamic, smaller company setting.
      
    • Prior experience as a project leader or functional leader on interdisciplinary teams is essential.
      
    • Extensive knowledge and experience in working with radioisotopes, with strict adherence to radiation safety protocols.
      
    • High emotional intelligence (EQ) and strong team management skills, with experience mentoring junior scientists and managing cross-functional teams.
      
    • Ability to partner effectively with clinical, regulatory, CMC development, biology, and DMPK teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
      
    • Strong ability to establish and manage external collaborations with CROs and academic/industrial partners.
      
    • Expertise in managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
      
      Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and communicate clearly. The employee may occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and distance vision. Working in a laboratory environment requires protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses, especially when handling radioactive materials.
      Work Environment:The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.
      Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:RayzeBio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing a workplace that fosters inclusion and encourages diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
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