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Head of Research

Ladenburg
Full-time
Permanent employee

Your mission

We are seeking an experienced Head of Research to provide scientific leadership and hands-on execution of research strategies across our pipeline. This individual will have deep expertise in ADC research and cross-functional drug development, supported by strong capabilities in toxicology and biomarker strategies, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality IND packages for regulatory submissions.
 
 What awaits you:
  • Develop and execute integrated research strategies (discovery, ADME, toxicology, pharmacology, and biomarkers) supporting programs from discovery, PCC, and IND‑enabling through early clinical development
  • Serve as the research and nonclinical development lead on cross-functional program teams (including overseas partners), providing scientific input to development strategy, risk assessment, and decision-making 
  • Assess nonclinical data packages, identify gaps and risks, and propose mitigation strategies aligned with ICH guidelines, GLP regulations, and evolving global regulatory expectations
  • Support the design and oversight of nonclinical toxicology studies at external CROs,  providing scientific oversight of protocols, execution, data interpretation, and final reports, and managing CRO relationships, timelines, and budgets
  • Provide scientific leadership for mechanism-based safety assessment, integrating safety data to inform translational and clinical plans
  • Author, review, and/or substantially contribute to nonclinical sections of regulatory documents, and partner closely with Regulatory Affairs to support health‑authority interactions
  • Lead translational medicine development strategies across preclinical and early clinical ADC programs
  • Synthesize complex nonclinical data into clear, coherent narratives to support internal decision-making, regulatory filings, and external communications with partners and due‑diligence stakeholders
  • Collaborate closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, CMC, and Clinical Operations to ensure alignment of nonclinical plans with the overall development strategy
  • Operate effectively in a dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility, agility, and the ability to rapidly learn, adapt, and contribute to the evolution of nonclinical standards and ways of working across the organization

Your profile

  • You have a  PhD/MD or equivalent advanced degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline
  • You have at least 8 to 10 years of experience in research and development within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry. 
  • Expertise in the development of ADCs is required
  • Experience in leading strategic collaborations with external partners 
  • Proven experience delivering nonclinical data packages to support IND-enabling and clinical-stage programs
  • Extensive experience designing and managing outsourced nonclinical studies and working effectively with CROs
  • Familiarity with clinical research processes, including the development and use of exploratory biomarkers
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and explain complex data clearly
  • You have deep experience in cross-functional leadership 
  • You are a highly motivated, self-dependent, problem solver and have a proactive personality with the ability to work in a multi-cultural, cross-functional team
  • You are fluent in English and complete your profile. German language skills would be an advantage

Why us?

  • Flexible working hours with compensation options and the opportunity to work remotely so that your job fits with your life
  • Mentoring program: In addition to comprehensive onboarding, you will receive a buddy who will show you everything so that you feel at home quickly
  • Prospects for your personal and professional development: Benefit from our training program so that you can take your qualifications to a new level
  • We support you and your family through our Employee Assistance Program, e.g. in organizing childcare or caring for relatives
  • We offer you a company pension scheme with employer subsidy and additional health insurance benefits
  • Happy coffee break, weekly fruit day and great company events await you
 
Would you like to work with us today on the medicines of tomorrow for patients in need? Then become part of our team!

About us

As a medium-sized company based in Ladenburg near Heidelberg, we place great importance on an open and collegial work environment. We address each other informally, enjoy working as a team, and take responsibility for our areas of work. Together, we are developing a new treatment approach in oncology. Based on our ADC technologies, we are developing novel drugs for targeted and highly effective cancer treatment. ADCs are antibody-drug conjugates that combine the specificity of antibodies with the potency of toxins to specifically target cancer cells. We use multiple payloads and have built an ADC toolbox that overcomes tumor resistance through diverse mechanisms and targets different types of cancer via various antibodies. Our goal is to develop targeted and highly effective ADCs for the treatment of a wide range of malignant hematological and solid tumors. 

We offer diverse positions in research, development, and administration. We support you on your personal career path and offer you a wide range of opportunities for professional development.

We welcome all applications regardless of origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other criterion under applicable law. What matters to us are your strengths and experience. We promote diversity and equal opportunity by treating all applications fairly and avoiding discrimination.