In this role you will join our new Oncology spinoff, 2seventy bio, where we are excited to continue leading the charge on Oncology cell therapy and gene editing research. We strive to make a difference and offer more time for patients with cancer. We’ll combine our real-world clinical data from our approved multiple myeloma treatment with our tool kit of several cutting-edge technologies, dedicated partners, passionate innovators that care, and our unwavering dedication to important life-changing work. We show up daily for our patients (literally and figuratively) and we feel privileged to be a part of their journey. If you want to challenge the status quo while having fun doing so, come be a part of this unique and exciting opportunity - we can’t wait to talk to you!

About the role:

2seventybio is looking for a dynamic cross-functional senior leader for our Preclinical Translational Development (PTD) organization. The department is comprised of approximately 50 FTEs divided across multiple independent groups including Nonclinical safety assessment, In Vivo Sciences, Comparative Pathology, Exploratory Pharmacology and Translational Biomarkers. Prior experience in preclinical research and development including leadership and mentorship of large teams, regulatory interactions, IND and post IND experience is desired. Although cell and gene therapy experience is preferred, prior experience with other modalities will also be considered given that the first principles of drug research and development span across various modalities.

Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, the head of PTD is a significant leadership position at 2seventybio, running a large department and playing an important strategic role in shaping the direction of research and development. As such the head of PTD is a core member of the leadership teams / governance bodies across the organization that make critical platform and program-based decisions at the company level. Every program touches the PTD organization on its way to the clinic and as such this is a great opportunity for a skilled leader to make a direct impact on the medicines 2seventy bio brings to patients. Moreover, the ideal candidate recognizes the importance of the interactions with functions outside of Research – such as clinical, TD&O (Technical Development & Operations –our CMC organization), regulatory science and program management.

Preclinical and Translational Development (PTD) department is a cornerstone of Research at 2seventy bio. The Research department is made up of PTD, Oncology Research, Data & Analytics, and Gene Editing. The PTD group is responsible for moving innovative cell and gene therapy ideas from bench to the clinic through various phases of development ranging from target nomination, validation, candidate selection, preclinical development, and translational biomarkers for clinical trials. This multifaceted group is comprised of Nonclinical safety assessment, In vivo sciences, Comparative Pathology, Exploratory pharmacology and Translational biomarkers. Each of these groups have experienced leaders and scientists with prior industry experience, board certified specialists that touch not only in vivo pharmacology, but also in vitro safety, in vivo safety assessments, animal care facility, pathology, biomarker development, assay development and validation, and clinical lab operations. This group is critical to the support of programs in the clinic as well. A proven leader with a strong interest in and aptitude for managing, mentoring and nurturing the growth and development of these high functioning teams is strongly desired. Building the best teams and culture is key to our goal of out innovating cancer.

What we’re looking for:

• 15 years’ experienced biopharmaceutical executive operating in the preclinical and translational space who can help deliver transformative therapies to our patients in the cell and gene therapy space
• PhD or advanced degree in toxicology, pathology, cancer biology, immunology with previous experience with regulatory submissions. ABT board certification desirable.
• Experience leading cross-functional senior-level teams with a demonstrated ability to recruit, lead and develop teams and individuals
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate others, influence with and without authority
• Excellent problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills with the ability to understand, communicate, and present technical and complicated solutions in a clear and simple manner to stakeholders
• Ability to think strategically, balance short-term and long-term goals, and maintain flexibility to adopt to situations
• Proven ability to drive high quality studies, processes and reports supporting regulatory submissions
• Experience with budgetary planning and setting smart goals for the department