Project Director Preclinical Pharmacology

Asgard Therapeutics is a private biotech company aiming to advance cancer immunotherapies by harnessing direct in-vivo cell fate reprogramming technologies. Formed as a spin-off from Lund University, in Sweden, we are pioneering a gene therapy approach based on our proprietary TrojanDC technology, designed to set in motion immune responses based on the biological properties of professional antigen presenting cells. Backed by Novo Holdings, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and Industrifonden, Asgard is building a multidisciplinary team that understands the value and opportunities of working in a startup based on a unique platform technology. We are looking for team members who are innovative and passionate about making a significant contribution to the cancer immunotherapy field, aiming at improving patients’ lives. 

Position overview & Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly enthusiastic, experienced, and innovative Project Director to join our dynamic team. The position is full time and based at Asgard’s office in Lund (SE).

The successful candidate has a strong background in gene therapy and ideally immuno-oncology exposure with a demonstrated track-record in managing project teams, internal/external stakeholders and successfully transitioning early-stage research projects towards an IND-ready stage. 

The candidate will report directly to the CEO, contribute to the company’s R&D strategy, manage projects between CROs, scientific collaborators and the internal R&D team, including in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies shaping Asgard’s pre-clinical development activities. 

Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are required. Scientific rigor and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapting to evolving priorities are a must. 

Responsibilities

• Expert scientific leadership in non-clinical pharmacology. In vitro/vivo pharmacology (incl. PK/PD/toxicology) study design, execution, QC, and data interpretation/reporting.
• Selection of CROs for critical work packages, such as in vivo pharmacology studies, and oversight activities based on own network and experience.
• Plan and supervise external research activities, including CROs and scientific collaborators, and coordinate with internal R&D.
• Together with management contribute to strategy, on-goal delivery, and prioritization.
• In collaboration with management and scientific teams, prepare reports, papers and other scientific documents presenting the data generated by external partners and Asgard R&D team, as well as reports to submit to grant funding agencies.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Pharmacology, Gene Therapy, Immuno-Oncology, or another relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years of pharmacology experience in pharma/biotech, working up to IND/clinical stage (in-vitro 2D/3D cultures and in-vivo syngeneic and PDX tumor models).
• Experience in successfully selecting/managing CROs to deliver high quality, timely and on-budget study results.
• Gene therapy experience: track record of advancing therapeutics from discovery into late preclinical development as project leader (preferred) or core team member. 
• Gene therapy experience within immuno-oncology is highly valued, but not a must. Alternatively, a track-record of developing immuno-oncology products is also desirable. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for effectively interfacing with all relevant external and internal parties (R&D team up to management & external partners).

Literature:

1. F. F. Rosa et al., Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into antigen-presenting dendritic cells. Science Immunology 3, eaau4292 (2018).

2. C. F. Pires, F. F. Rosa, I. Kurochkin, C.-F. Pereira, Understanding and Modulating Immunity With Cell Reprogramming. Frontiers in Immunology 10,  (2019).

3. F. F. Rosa et al., Single-cell transcriptional profiling informs efficient reprogramming of human somatic cells to cross-presenting dendritic cells. Science Immunology 7, eabg5539 (2022).

Application:

For questions and further information, please contact Cristiana Pires, CEO, by email, cristiana.pires@asgardthx.com.

To apply please e-mail your CV, cover letter and contacts of two references to info@asgardthx.com. Asgard will review applications on a rolling basis and only contact shortlisted candidates.