Executive Director, Translational Research

About Us

Exscientia is an AI-driven precision medicine company committed to discovering, designing and developing the best possible drugs in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia developed the first-ever functional precision oncology platform to successfully guide treatment selection and improve patient outcomes in a prospective interventional clinical study, as well as to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting.

Our internal pipeline is focused on leveraging our precision medicine platform in oncology, while our partnered pipeline broadens our approach to other therapeutic areas. By pioneering a new approach to medicine creation, we believe the best ideas of science can rapidly become the best medicines for patients.

The Role

We're seeking a leader with excellence in translational research in oncology who will enable Exscientia to become a leader in precision medicine. You will drive value by overseeing the production of preclinical data which supports the design of impactful clinical development programmes, as well as the development of biomarkers which enable decision making in clinical trials.

You will shape and implement the R&D translational oncology strategy comprising model system development and validation, and translational research for key internal and partnered oncology assets.

In addition, you will oversee the activities of a Clinical Biomarkers team comprising internal biomarker discovery and outsourced assay development and deployment. You will provide senior scientific, strategic and people leadership to this team of talented, high performing scientists. You will be able to build on a culture of scientific excellence and innovation, strategic focus and collaboration. For this reason, we're seeking someone who is passionate about developing and enabling talent to live up to their full potential.

Please note this is a hybrid role and regular travel is required to our office in Vienna, Austria (minimum 2 days per week, ideally more), with flexibility to work from home in Austria the remaining time. We are a flexible working organisation and we're willing to consider various options which would provide similar contact time with the team.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Establish translational strategies comprising preclinical data generation and clinical biomarker programmes at the pipeline and project level.
• Oversee the development and validation of translational models which are more clinically relevant than conventional cell lines, mouse models and organoids.
• Work with individual translational project leads to ensure efficient implementation of all key deliverables.
• Maximise value generation by liaising closely with Regulatory, Policy, BD&L, business unit colleagues and key leadership within Compound Development teams.
• Ensure learnings and best practices are shared across R&D. Establish a high performance culture characterised by the highest scientific standards, innovation and collaboration.
• Enable and develop your team to realise their full potential.

Essential skills:

• MD or PhD in Biological Sciences plus 10+ years of R&D experience in the pharmaceutical industry working at the interface of preclinical and clinical research in oncology.
• Deep understanding of drug discovery, drug development, and cancer biology as the focus is on discovery and early development with tumour cell intrinsic targets.
• Strategic mindset and proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously to ensure high quality, on-time, on-target, and within budget delivery of set objectives.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience leading interdisciplinary teams and direct reports, enabling employees to perform at their best with ability to resolve conflict in a constructive manner.
• Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity to align a drug development program with preclinical research activities.
• Ability to integrate and create scientific content and strategy for impactful communication with senior management.

Desirable skills:

• Experience in clinical biomarker discovery and their application in clinical trials is a plus.
• Experience with the development of complex translational models, work with primary tissues and/or single cell analysis techniques and the analysis of single cell data is a bonus.
• Join our inclusive, collaborative and intellectually stimulating organisation with strong company values.
• As a learning organisation, we provide access to learning and development opportunities and will place you at the forefront of your career growth at Exscientia.
• We employ brilliant people so we pay highly competitive salaries. In accordance with the Austrian collective bargaining agreement, the salary for this role starts from €160,000 gross per year. We will agree an attractive package and overpayment based on your background and previous work experience.
• Additionally, all our employees are eligible for a company-wide annual bonus and receive both a new joiner and annual share award.
• Enjoy our generous holiday allowance and flexible working approach to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you.
• Create amazing memories or advance your personal and professional development with our four-week paid sabbatical after four years of service.
• We're leading the way in progressive leave, offering enhanced policies such as generous parental leave, surrogacy, menopause, and family emergency leave so you feel supported no matter the life event.
• As a healthcare company, we understand the importance of health and wellbeing so we provide comprehensive private health insurance, dental and vision benefits.
• We also provide plenty of access to mental health support including an employee assistance program and counselling sessions for help with lifestyle issues such as bereavement, family problems or money management.
• To help safeguard the future for you and your loved ones, we also offer life cover and contribute to your retirement fund.
• Help yourself to free drinks and snacks in our fully stocked kitchens. Join your colleagues in one of our many breakout areas and get to know the people you are working with. Some of the best ideas start with a coffee break!
• Feel inspired by our state-of-the-art technology and tools which enable you to do your best work in an innovative environment.
• Take advantage of our generous salary exchange scheme to claim discounts on cycling equipment.
• We'll even support your home office environment with an allowance for furniture and equipment to make your space as comfortable and productive as possible.
• Learn more about why our team enjoy working at Exscientia here