Senior Director, Head Of Pre-Clinical Research

CARGO Therapeutics is a pioneering clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to revolutionizing cell therapy. We leverage innovative technologies with a commitment to advancing therapeutic outcomes for a wider patient population while fostering a culture where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.

We seek an experienced and motivated Senior Director of Pre-Clinical Research to join our dynamic team. Reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), this role will focus on propelling CAR T development candidates through the pipeline. This involves developing lead selection workstreams, overseeing drug mechanism of action (MOA) studies, in vivo pharmacology, and ensuring manufacturing feasibility of development candidates.

To achieve prioritized goals, this position will have important managerial, mentoring, and leadership responsibilities to support a team of independent and accomplished contributors. Cross-functional collaboration will be to coordinate efforts across research and functions in the R&D organization. Engagement with early development project teams to support IND applications, protocol designs, and process development initiatives will be critical to success in this role.

A strong background in cell biology, immunology, translational research, and direct experience with cell therapy technologies is preferred. We seek a leader who will not be constrained by dogmatic thinking and who will push our teams to explore novel technologies to alter the therapeutic performance of T cells and develop novel assays to enhance how we assess and translate therapeutic potential.

The role is based in San Carlos, CA.

WHAT YOU'LL DO AT CARGO THERAPEUTICS

• Contribute to the development of a preclinical research strategy and strive to align priorities with corporate objectives

• Thoughtfully manage scientists and support the development of team members

• Provide guidance on experimental design and in vivo pharmacology studies, ensuring rigorous documentation of data

• Develop advanced assays to evaluate cell therapy performance and potency

• Lead efforts as a member of early development project teams to generate data sets supporting non-clinical reports for Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, etc.

• Foster cross-functional communication, teamwork, and collaboration within the Research team and with internal and external partners

• Contribute to invention disclosure and patent application filings to enrich CARGO's intellectual property portfolio

• Oversee the drafting of presentations and manuscripts for internal and external communications

• Establish and maintain strong external partnerships with key opinion leaders, academic institutions, and other external collaborators

• Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in cell therapy by attending and/or presenting at relevant scientific conferences

THE RIGHT STUFF: Required Experience & Qualifications

• Doctorate (Ph.D.) in biological sciences, immunology, biochemical engineering, or related fields, coupled with extensive experience and expertise in scientific drug discovery and development

• Proven track record of 10+ years' in progressively responsible roles within science-based organizations, demonstrating leadership in leading drug discovery programs from concept to development

• Specific experience support IND-enabling efforts is preferred

• 5+ years' building and leading high-performing research teams

• Deep expertise in cell biology and immunology, applied to innovative cell therapy research and development

• Strong capability in correlating preclinical models with human disease, optimizing study designs

• Track record of successfully overseeing in vivo pharmacology teams is preferred

• Demonstrated history of strategic planning and execution, highlighting the candidate's ability to translate scientific discoveries into impactful programs in the field of cell therapy

• Proven track record in managing external partners or vendors for timely project delivery

• Exceptional leadership skills, fostering high-performing teams and a culture of excellence

• Outstanding communication, time management, and organizational skills, both internally and externally

PAY RANGE

The combined pay range for this role is $204,000 - $281,000. Title and salary will be based on our assessment of skills and experience relevant to our needs for the role.

ABOUT CARGO THERAPEUTICS

CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company positioned to advance next generation, potentially curative cell therapies for cancer patients. CARGO's programs, platform technologies, and manufacturing strategy are designed to directly address the limitations of approved cell therapies, including limited durability of effect, safety concerns and unreliable supply. CARGO is currently evaluating its lead program, CRG-022, an autologous CD22 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy candidate, in a potentially pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) whose disease relapsed or was refractory (R/R) to CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. CARGO also plans to evaluate CRG-022 in patients at earlier stages of disease, including LBCL and other hematologic malignancies. Beyond its lead program, CARGO is leveraging its proprietary cell engineering platform technologies to develop a pipeline of programs that incorporate multiple transgene therapeutic "cargo" designed to enhance CAR T-cell persistence and trafficking to tumor lesions, as well as to help safeguard against tumor resistance and T-cell exhaustion. CARGO's founders are pioneers and world-class experts in CAR T-cell therapy, and its team has significant experience and success developing, manufacturing, launching and commercializing oncology and cell therapy products. For more information, please visit the CARGO Therapeutics website at https://cargo-tx.com/.

Join us to help make a difference!

EEO & EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company. We provide 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. CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification required of applicable law.

CARGO Therapeutics requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of their start date. This requirement is a condition of employment at CARGO Therapeutics, and it applies regardless of whether the position is located at a CARGO Therapeutics site or is fully remote. If you are unable to receive the vaccine due to a disability or serious medical condition, or because it is prohibited because of your sincerely held religious beliefs, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.