Drug Development Lab Director

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Center for Translational Medicine (CTM) is looking for a talented, experienced scientist to direct the CTM laboratory and support the preclinical testing and development of new therapeutics and devices.

This is a hybrid position with responsibility to supervise work by laboratory staff and oversee projects in the Center laboratory, requiring a frequent and regular presence on campus.

DUTIES

Strategy and implementation

• 30%

• Design, implement and independently manage multiple preclinical development programs.

• Provide scientific advice on development path and strategy, experimental design and data interpretation.

• Develop and manage study protocols, IACUC and IBC protocols, and submissions.

Management and Supervision (Team Leadership)

• 30%

• Supervise, mentor and oversee the personnel management and training of laboratory staff.

• Ensure that laboratory and studies comply with relevant regulations, policies and procedures.

• Oversee study conduct, analyze, interpret and report study data.

Stakeholder Engagement

• 20%

• Meet and communicate regularly with CTM Scientific Director, principal investigators, and collaborators on potential or ongoing projects.

• Work collaboratively with CTM and University staff, scientific collaborators and service providers to implement CTM goals and facilitate the translation and development of new therapeutics.

• Summarize project-related work through written and oral communications, including preparing presentations and manuscripts for publication.

Budget & Grant Management

• 10%

• Identify, define and manage deliverables, timelines and budgets for preclinical development projects.

• Assist with the preparation of grant applications and with financial management of CTM projects and programs.

Operations Management

• 10%

• Oversee daily operations of the CTM laboratory.

• Conduct, assist, or direct as necessary in vitro and in vivo laboratory studies and assure that written SOPs and data collection practices are supporting these studies.

• Other duties as identified by the CTM Director or Scientific Director.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• BA/BS plus 8 years of experience, or advanced degree plus 6 years of experience.

• Training in pharmacology, biochemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical science or related area.

• Experience leading, managing and supervising research laboratory personnel.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the regulatory aspects of the preclinical translation studies required to advance candidates into clinical development and a demonstrated record of compliance with quality standards in a regulated laboratory environment.

• Experience with IACUC policies and procedures and the ability to work with animals is required.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work professionally and effectively with Center personnel, project stakeholders, colleagues, and external collaborators with a wide range professional skill sets.

• Organizational acumen to prioritize project schedules to meet deadlines and accommodate projects in different stages of development concurrently.

PREFERRED

• PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical science or related area with at least two years of training or experience in animal pharmacology or toxicology.

• Extensive training and experience in the design and conduct of in vitro and in vivo preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies directed at the development of pharmaceuticals or biologics.

• Experience successfully leading and managing preclinical development programs at a research institute, or a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company.

• Experience with developing and managing IACUC and IBC protocols and submissions.

• Experience leading or working on successful collaborative teams.

• Experience conducting preclinical studies in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices.

• Experience in oncology drug development.

About the Department

The Center for Translational Medicine (CTM) in the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs provides a spectrum of research, testing, and advisory services to inventors of novel medicines, therapies and devices from early stage proof of concept models through the final stages of preclinical testing and into early clinical trials.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Employee wellbeing program

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

• Financial counseling services

• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).