Associate Director, Skeletal Diseases 3283631 - Metro Associates

Job ID: 3283631
Employment Type: Full-Time
Relocation Assistance Available: Yes
Bonus Eligible

Position Title: Associate Director, Skeletal Diseases
Location: Petaluma, California (Mandatory Onsite, Petaluma Worksite Only)
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotech
Job Category: Research & Development

Position Summary:

Our Award-Winning Client, known for its dedication to impactful scientific breakthroughs and consistent recognition across the industry, is looking for a highly motivated Associate Director specializing in skeletal biology and disease. This leader will oversee in vivo studies within the Musculoskeletal Therapeutic Area (MSK) and manage a team focused on developing treatments for skeletal disorders.

About Our Client:

For over two decades, our Award-Winning Client has improved the lives of individuals with rare genetic diseases, utilizing its unparalleled expertise in genetics and drug development. Operating nationally, our client is driven to expand this patient-forward approach to address genetic subtypes of more common conditions, developing targeted therapies with a commitment to transformative patient impact.

Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Lead and manage a skilled team of in vivo scientists, providing guidance on study methodologies, data analysis, and animal model handling.
  • Oversee the career development of team members, establishing yearly objectives aligned with project and company goals.
  • Coordinate team priorities, resource allocation, and performance management to support Research & Development goals.
• Study Project Management:
  • Design, execute, and monitor in vivo study projects, including CRO collaborations, animal model selection, and tissue/sample management.
  • Manage study aspects from planning through data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results, ensuring projects align with MSK objectives.
  • Engage in budgeting, staffing, and scheduling projections to support study demands.
• Hands-On Study Execution & Technical Expertise:
  • Conduct in vivo procedures, such as dosing, plethysmography, gait analysis, rodent surgeries, Computerized Tomography, Multiphoton microscopy, IVIS imaging, and more.
  • Proficiently perform administration using various dosing techniques (IM, IP, IV, SC, PO) and oversee rodent health checks, clinical observations, and accurate data collection.
  • Maintain precise documentation and lab records using Electronic Lab Notebooks and adhere to all safety protocols and animal welfare regulations.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  • Collaborate with internal and external scientists to prioritize and complete in vivo studies, aligning with musculoskeletal therapeutic goals.
  • Communicate scientific strategies and results to leadership, contributing to regulatory filings and product development.
  • Present findings across functional areas, promoting shared understanding of study progress and outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum 7 years of postdoctoral or industry research experience in skeletal biology/disease with demonstrated in vivo skills, including managing rodent colonies and handling mutant models (transgenic, knockout, conditional mutants, CRISPR, Cre-lox, Tet-on systems).
• Technical Skills: Extensive hands-on in vivo expertise, including breeding colony management, in vivo administration methods, imaging techniques, and surgical procedures in rodent models. Proficiency in using advanced data analysis tools, sample collection, and tissue processing.
• Education: PhD in a relevant field, with a background in skeletal biology research.
• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support a productive in vivo team in a dynamic environment.
• Regulatory and Protocol Compliance: Familiarity with animal care protocols and federal regulations governing in vivo research.

Key Skills:

• Strong understanding of genetically engineered models and gene therapy approaches.
• Analytical abilities for data interpretation, scientific report writing, and communicating results to cross-functional teams.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple projects under time constraints and adhering to safety and documentation protocols.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to present scientific insights effectively.

Additional Details:

• Relocation Assistance Available: Yes
• Bonus Eligible
• Work Location: Petaluma, CA (with occasional site visits to San Rafael, CA).
• Availability: Willingness to work off-core hours, including weekends, based on study demands.
• Benefits: Full healthcare coverage, paid time off, professional development opportunities, retirement benefits, and bonus eligibility based on performance.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience Level: 7-10 years in relevant research field.
• Seniority: Mid-Senior level with demonstrated management expertise.
• Willingness to Travel: Occasional.
• Additional Certifications: Completion of all required company training and adherence to occupational health standards.

Job ID: 3283631

Note: Resumes will be maintained in strict confidentiality until such time as we engage in a detailed discussion regarding a specific opportunity, and both parties mutually agree to proceed. We consistently receive new opportunities every day. Should your professional background closely align with the specific requirements of our client, we will promptly reach out to you to initiate further exploration of potential opportunities.