Associate Director

**Company Description
Travecta Therapeutics is a preclinical stage biotech founded to advance neurological therapies through better brain targeting. The blood brain barrier is the protective barrier of the central nervous system and blocks 100% of large molecules and more than 98% of all small molecule drugs and is a main obstacle to therapeutics for brain diseases. The company’s proprietary platform of transporter-enabled drug conjugates enhances brain access for multiple drug classes and provides multiple therapeutic development opportunities. A robust pipeline is leading to IND filing and further opportunities through pharma collaborations.

**Job Description
This is an exciting role with high visibility within the company. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of R&D, this person will be responsible for directing all preclinical efficacy bioassays and pharmacokinetic studies. We are seeking a highly motivated individual looking for a full-time role for a period of 3-6 months with the possibility for the role to become a permanent position.

The Associate Director / Director of Pharmacology role requires a scientific background with research and development experience in the pharmaceutical and/or biotech industry. This position has a critical role in selecting, prioritizing, and designing the projects to populate the development pipeline. The Director of Pharmacology will have experience in preclinical mechanistic and studies, guiding receptor/ion channel screens, _in vitro _and _in vivo _efficacy models as well as pharmacokinetic study design and assessment.

**Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement _in vitro _and _in vivo _pharmacology and pharmacokinetic protocols and projects.
- Review and assess all pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data; analyse data independently and report results and actions to management
- Engage and manage external contracting and consulting resources as needed.
- Provide focus to individual team members
- Establish and monitor timelines to ensure efficient delivery of data.
- Represent departmental interests in internal and external communication.
- Execute advanced analytical techniques to extend scientific theories in innovative pharmacology projects.
- Utilize diverse knowledge of scientific research principles, practices and protocols in research projects.
- Recommend early development strategies to support corporate goals.

**Minimum Knowledge/ Education / Previous Experience requirement
- PhD or equivalent advanced degree in pharmacology or a relevant biological discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience in pre-clinical development of innovative drugs in Pharmaceutical / Life Science / Biotech / CRO settings.
- A strategic thinker with an understanding of the practical realities and priorities of pharmaceutical discovery and development.
- Experience in PK/PD modelling, cellular pharmacology assays, in vivo pharmacology and pharmacodynamic models.
- Experience designing and interpreting IND-enabling toxicology and safety studies.
- Experience in strategic planning for target selection, direction of CRO partners and management of internal staff.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and possessing the ability to present and explain highly technical topics to broad audiences.
- A performance-driven individual, with a strong sense of urgency and credibility.