Associate Director of Discovery

Job Introduction

Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about Dechra!

Dechra is a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 3000 colleagues globally. From manufacturing to marketing, (D)edication, (E)njoyment, (C)ourage, (H)onesty, (R)elationships and (A)mbition are at the heart of our everyday operations and the way we do business. 

The Opportunity 

This position is 60% onsite, not remote

The Associate Director of Discovery will play a crucial role in shaping and leading strategies for antibody discovery initiatives. This position entails driving the discovery of novel canine, feline and equine antibody-based therapeutics, including monoclonal and bispecific antibodies. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a team of Research Associates as well managing the logistics of the laboratory.  They will serve as a project leader for multiple antibody programs working internal and external to successfully progress programs through the pipeline. This position is hybrid onsite employees at the Natick, MA lab and reports directly to the Head of Discovery.

Main Responsibilities

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied scope and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

•  Manage a team of Discovery Research Associates
• Develop strategies for reagent generation, functional assays, analytical characterization and SPR analyses
• Drive decision making on construct design, format and developability for new antibody programs 
• Coordinate antibody discovery efforts internally and with CROs and serve as Project Lead for multiple programs
• Maintain the in-house laboratory; serve as the Dechra point person to the incubator space
• Maintain a safe working environment; work with safety CRO to maintain waste management, uphold IBC protocol, enforce safety recommendations and serve as liaison to Dechra HSE
• Responsible for coordinating capital equipment purchases and maintenance
• Work with project timelines/deliverables, support, and coordinate cross-functional activities to achieve team goals
• Oversee electronic lab notebook system and make sure data is being recorded accurately
• Serve as an internal expert for biologics 
• Prepare clearly articulated data presentations 
• Communicate and present progress to the company

The Ideal Candidate

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We’re particularly excited to hear from those who have/are:

• PhD in biological sciences or other relevant field with extensive years of relevant industry experience or Master’s degree with additional years of relevant industry experience.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to thrive in collaborative, cross-functional teams.
• Knowledgeable in the discovery and characterization of therapeutic antibodies
• Ability to work with a team
• Comfortable working in a small, agile team, and able to shift focus as needed to meet evolving project goals.
• Strong communication
• Organized
• Attention to details 
• Ability to multi-task