COMPANY DESCRIPTION:
Every Exelixis employee is united in an ambitious cause: to launch innovative medicines that give patients, and their families hope for the future. In this pursuit, we know our employees are our most asset. After operating in the challenging biotech sector for 25 years, we have a proven track record of resiliency in the face of adversity. The success of our lead product has provided a solid commercial foundation allowing us to reinvigorate our research efforts and grow our team in areas such as Drug Discovery, Clinical Development and Commercial.
As we expand our global partnerships and further reinvest in R&D to help us discover the next breakthrough for difficult-to-treat cancers, we are seeking to add talented, dedicated employees to power our mission.
Cancer is our cause. Make it yours, too.
SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:
Provide strategic scientific leadership for the biologics portfolio across discovery, translational sciences, and early development. Shape and execute biologics research and development strategies aligned with corporate objectives, leveraging deep expertise in antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody therapeutics, protein engineering, multispecifics, and emerging biologic modalities. Partner with cross-functional leaders to identify, evaluate, and advance innovative therapeutic candidates from target selection through clinical proof-of-concept. As a member of the Biotherapeutics team, the Executive Director of Biologics Innovation & Strategy plays a key role in leading the efforts for advancing the development of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and other biologics for oncology-based molecules at Exelixis.
The incumbent supports efforts in early development as well as post IND activities of ongoing and new biologics projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and lead the scientific strategy for biologics programs across oncology indications, ensuring alignment with corporate R&D objectives and portfolio priorities.
- Drive portfolio strategy, including target assessment, modality selection, competitive landscape analysis, and differentiation opportunities.
- Serve as a scientific thought leader for biologics innovation, identifying emerging technologies, external trends, and novel therapeutic approaches.
- Provide strategic guidance to multidisciplinary teams spanning discovery biology, antibody engineering, protein sciences, translational medicine, CMC, regulatory, and clinical development.
- Lead scientific governance discussions and present program recommendations to executive leadership and research review committees.
- Evaluate external innovation opportunities, including business development, licensing, academic collaborations, and strategic partnerships.
- Influence program direction through interpretation of complex preclinical and translational data, risk-benefit assessments, and development planning.
- Establish portfolio-wide scientific frameworks, decision criteria, and stage-gate processes to maximize probability of technical and clinical success.
- Represent the organization externally through scientific publications, conference presentations, advisory boards, and interactions with key opinion leaders.
- Mentor and develop senior scientific talent, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
- Project leadership and execution of antibody-based therapeutics programs.
- May lead and manage.
- Contributor to regulatory filings related to Biotherapeutics molecules including serving as BTX SME on development teams, preparation and writing of IND reports, review and authoring of Pharmacology and adjacent related IND sections.
- Superlative Interaction and collaboration skills and communications across multiple departments and functions in both research and development parts of the organization as well as the ability to represent Exelixis with external collaboration colleagues to discuss and resolve project needs and issues in research and development of biotherapeutics.
- Supervision of scientific staff.
- Follow company intellectual property and compliance policies and practices.
- Comply with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practices.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Could supervise staff, including hiring, scheduling, and assigning work, reviewing performance, and recommend salary increases, promotions, transfers, demotions, or terminations.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Education:
- PhD degree in pharmacology or cancer biology or closely related discipline and a minimum of 15 years of related experience; or
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience:
- Extensive scientific knowledge of biologics in oncology indications
- Research experience with antibody-based therapeutics from discovery to IND.
- Expertise in developing and executing on development candidate selection packages and post DC translational strategies for oncology therapeutics.
- Broad experience with early biomarker strategies for biologics including ADCs.
- Strong background in the biologics domain, including cancer target biology and experience analyzing ‘omics data (such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and knowledge of relevant databases).
- Strong scientific understanding of mechanism of action of cytotoxins and ADCs is essential.
- Demonstrated drive for rigorous scientific excellence.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Knowledge of state-of-the-art in various aspects of ADC research and development including ADC platforms and applications and a comprehensive understanding of current approaches and emerging technologies in ADCs.
- The knowledge to apply advanced scientific and technical principles, theories, and concepts, and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.
- Ability to think critically and strategically with solution-orientated mindset and a hands-on, “roll up your sleeves” approach.
- The drive to facilitate, track, anticipate, influence, and implement team objectives; out-of-the-box thinking and willingness to challenge the status quo where relevant.
- Ability to work independently, excellent time management and organization skills to manage multiple internal and external projects simultaneously.
- Knowledge of intellectual property matters, and issues related to bioconjugates.
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Environment: primarily working in laboratories or in office.
- Exposures encountered, such as hazardous materials, extreme cold.
- Travel required (10%).
Disclaimers:
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
