Director/Scientific Lead- Oncology & Radioimaging (Preclinical)

Serve as the senior scientific and strategic leader for sponsor-driven preclinical discovery programs in oncology, radioligand therapy, and related therapeutic areas, with a special emphasis on advanced imaging technologies. Guide projects from concept through candidate nomination and IND filing, ensuring scientific excellence, innovation, and operational success.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific & Program Leadership:

• Oversee the scientific output and operational delivery of sponsor-driven programs. Act as the subject matter expert in oncology and Radioimaging, providing strategic direction and technical guidance across modalities such as small molecules, biologics, radioligands, and cell therapies.

Client Engagement & Business Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors and business development teams. Identify and pursue new business opportunities, contributing to organizational growth and profitability.

External Representation & Thought Leadership:

• Represent the organization at scientific meetings and conferences. Support sales and marketing efforts, and externalize innovation through authorship of posters, publications, and presentations.

Innovation & Capability Expansion:

• Lead the development and implementation of innovative scientific and process strategies at both local and global preclinical sites. Drive initiatives to expand capabilities in tumor modeling (e.g., CDX, PDX, orthotopic, resistance models), radiochemistry, multimodal imaging, and advanced in vitro/ex vivo techniques.

Operational Excellence:

• Ensure rigorous scientific standards and timely execution of both partnered and internal R&D programs. Continuously enhance process efficiencies and uphold high-quality deliverables.

Team Leadership & Mentorship:

• Mentor and develop study directors and junior scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Provide scientific oversight for study design, protocol development, data interpretation, and reporting.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with delivery, project management, and data analysis teams to ensure seamless project execution. Author and review technical documents, study protocols, IACUC protocols, and final reports.

Strategic Problem Solving:

• Identify and resolve key scientific and operational challenges, advancing pro

Functional Competencies (Technical knowledge/Skills)

• Deep expertise in applying imaging technologies to oncology and cancer biology research.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo methodologies, including flow cytometry, cell-based/biochemical assays, multimodal imaging, tumor modeling, radioligand binding, autoradiography, and immunohistochemistry.
• grams through exemplary leadership and evidence-based decision-making.
• Proficiency in designing, executing, and interpreting pharmacology, dosimetry, and efficacy studies in rodent models.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and prioritize effectively.
• Proven financial acumen and experience managing large budgets to demanding targets.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of trends, tools, and technologies in oncology and life sciences.
• Maintains an up-to-date awareness of trends, tools, technology, techniques and processes that affect testing and technology within the Life sciences domain.

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• Ph.D. in Oncology, Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Radiochemistry, or a related discipline (post-doctoral experience preferred). Equivalent combinations of education and documented subject matter expertise may be considered.
• Minimum of 6–10 years of relevant experience in research or the pharmaceutical industry, with demonstrated management experience.
• Proficiency with desktop applications (word processing, spreadsheets, databases) and network navigation.
• Proven line management and leadership experience.
• Experience communicating progress and results to diverse stakeholders.
• Fluent in English.

This role is based in the Perceptive office/lab located in Needham, MA. The annual base salary range for this role is $144,174- $267,751. This range represents the anticipated initial annual salary and may vary depending on several factors including the candidate’s experience and skills and may be subject to market rate adjustment.