Associate Director Digital Pathology / Translational Science - Arcus Biosciences

Associate Director – Digital Pathology / Translational Science

Arcus Biosciences is an exciting growth company founded on the vision of creating best-in-class cancer therapies. We are an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company leveraging its deep cross-discipline expertise to discover highly differentiated therapies and develop a broad portfolio of novel combinations addressing significant unmet needs.

Overall description:

We have an opening for an Associate Director (AD) with expertise in the field of digital pathology. The AD will be responsible for the development, execution, and oversight of AI-based digital image analysis on clinical histopathology images and integrating these analyses into comprehensive biomarker plans for assets in oncology clinical development. The ideal candidate will have experience successfully developing and applying digital image analysis algorithms that are predictive of clinical response to a therapeutic agent, ideally in the field of oncology.  The role requires demonstrated expertise in histopathology, microscopy, tissue-based assay development (IHC/ISH/mIF), analysis, and data interpretation with an ability to integrate scientific and disease specific contexts. The successful candidate will have a well-established track record of using digital image analysis and must have experience working with CROs to implement IHC assays suitable for downstream digital analysis. The ideal applicant should also have experience working with pathologists to develop appropriate scoring methods, and familiarity with multiplex chromogenic and fluorescent IHC assays and quantification methodology. Strong communication and leadership skills are required to build relationships with key stakeholders bridging research and clinical development.

The AD will be required to present data regularly at project team meetings to inform key leadership decisions.  This position demands unwavering attention to detail and strong organizational skills, coupled with aptitude and enthusiasm for collaborating, maintaining high quality data, and managing the integrity of our clinical trial datasets and sample records.   Supervisory and mentoring experience is also required to manage more junior staff members to ensure technical specifications are carried out appropriately and meet project timelines.  Excellent oral and written communication skills are required, along with a solutions-based approach, flexibility, and the ability to focus and deliver on time-sensitive objectives.

 Job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

·        Analyze clinical histopathology images using digital pathology to identify features predictive of patient outcomes/clinical response to an oncology therapeutic.

·        Develop digital image analysis algorithms using traditional and AI-based technology to extract quantitative feature data from histology stains (H&E) and validated IHC assays.

·        Provide digital pathology support to enable integrated translational strategies, including patient selection, pharmacodynamics, mechanism of action/resistance, prognostic, and other clinically relevant biomarker applications.

·        Oversee the execution of histopathology strategies and deliver biomarker results to internal and external stakeholders while working collaboratively with Translational Biomarker Leads, Biology, Clinical Science, Biometrics, Bioinformatics, Clinical/Biomarker Operations, and others. Including CDx activities as applicable.

·        Serve as histology/IHC subject matter expert in collaborative cross-functional biomarker teams providing expertise, driving decisions as well as enabling execution of tissue-based biomarker plans.

·        Present IHC biomarker data at project teams, review forums, and to external groups

·        Responsible for authoring the tissue biomarker sections of clinical protocols and regulatory documents.

​The selected applicant will have a Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant scientific field such as pathology, histology, immuno-oncology, oncology, or immunology, with experience in relevant life sciences disciplines and at least 10 years of experience, including significant time in industry, or a Masters Degree with 15 years of experience, in addition to:

·        Using advanced digital image analysis software and spatial imaging platforms (AI-based tissue analysis, software such as Indica Labs HALO, Visiopharm, QuPath/ImageJ, digital slide scanning, multiplex spectral imaging, Akoya Opal systems including Polaris/PhenoImagerHT)

·        Strong background in translational research in preclinical and clinical settings, including analyzing histology samples for predictive value in oncology studies

·        Experience developing histological biomarker assays across a broad range of platform technologies (e.g. IHC, mIF, ISH, FISH, special stains) and their clinical application

·        Strong verbal and written communication skills and experience presenting complex datasets to a variety of audiences (clinical and pre-clinical discovery scientists)

·        Experience in drug development and leading teams, at least 2 direct reports

This role is based at our Hayward, CA location and on-site is highly preferred. The anticipated salary range for fully qualified candidates applying for this position is $175,000 - $200,000. Factors such as relevant experience, education, duration of experience, and length of industry experience will influence the actual title and salary offered. In addition to a competitive market-based salary, Arcus offers the opportunity to participate in stock programs, a performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.  Additional information about our total rewards program can be found here:  https://arcusbio.com/careers/.

Arcus Biosciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Arcus is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets.

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