Associate Director, In Vitro Immunology, Pharmacology

Are you passionate about research in immuno-oncology? Are you a world champion in designing and executing in vitro immunology studies? Do you want to be part of a strong global research team on an exciting journey to bring better treatments to patients? Then you might be exactly who we are looking for!

Associate Director, In Vitro Immunology

Galecto, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to the development of novel small molecule therapeutics directed at biological targets which are at the heart of cancer and fibrosis. We have recently completed a successful IPO on Nasdaq US and raised more than $150 million in 2020 to accelerate development of its clinical pipeline and support preparations for potential EU conditional approval of GB0139 in IPF and multiple new phase II clinical trials.

Galecto was founded by leading fibrosis-focused scientists and biotech executives and is built on more than 10 years of research into galectin and fibrosis modulators. Our team has developed a deep understanding of the galectin family of proteins and the LOXL2 enzyme, and how both influence multiple biological pathways of these complex, often devastating, diseases. Currently, we are running four clinical trials in cancer and fibrosis.

The position

The position is based at our Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst laboratory in the UK, with some potential travel across the UK and EU, working closely with colleagues within Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Nonclinical, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs. Reporting to the Head of Pharmacology, it is important that the candidate has expertise in immunology and cancer to provide preclinical in vitro cell biology and immunology expertise for the evaluation of drug candidates. This scientist will provide scientific expertise and develop cell-based assays while building strong internal scientific expertise and introduce new techniques and models for the evaluation of small molecules targeting the immune system.

• You will be working with Galecto’s pharmacology team to design and execute in vitrostudies for discovery candidates in inflammation, fibrosis and oncology
• You will develop and validate efficient molecular and cell-based screening assays to critically evaluate novel agents
• You will develop and optimize functional cellular immunological assays using primary cells from humans.
• Evaluate drug candidates in biochemical and functional assays
• Execute assay qualification and validation and sample testing in a timely manner
• Prepare study synopses, protocols, and study reports to support nonclinical development of drug candidates
• You will be establishing and effectively managing internal and external stakeholders, and academic collaborations, as required, to deliver work packages consistent with program needs
• You will be responsible for presenting at internal and external meetings in addition to authorship of peer reviewed manuscripts and presentation of original work at scientific conferences and symposia

Qualifications

• You are a strong team player and passionate about driving activities and results together with colleagues
• You have a PhD (or equivalent) in immunology, cell biology or a related, relevant discipline with demonstrable experience (+8 years) in industry/biotech of drug discovery
• You have extensive experience with small molecule drug discovery and development ideally with exposure to drug discovery projects in an immuno-oncology setting
• You are an insightful and curious biologist with exceptional knowledge of in vitroimmunology/pharmacology models for oncology
• You enjoy hands on involvement and setting up/validating in vitro systems with mechanistic and disease relevant endpoints
• You have experience in studying the tumour microenvironment
• You possess a translational mindset and is strong in predicting and linking activities related to clinical development
• You are a pragmatic trouble-shooter able to adapt ideas and experiments to achieve key project objectives and adhere to timelines
• You are experienced and passionate about managing complex external collaborations/partnerships, as well as mentoring teams/individual scientists to successfully achieve project goals
• You are an excellent communicator (written and verbal) and influencer with an inclusive open-minded personality

As the preclinical area within Galecto expands, we are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Associate Director of in vitro Immunology to take an active role in driving the drug discovery projects. You will have a unique opportunity to be part of driving the drug discovery process from preclinical through to the clinical phases in a dynamic and ambitious biotech team.

If the above description sparks a fire inside, we hope to hear from you!

For further information, please contact our VP, Pharmacology, Robert Slack, email: rjslack@galecto.com, or our Head of People, Pernille Aasholm, email: pah@galecto.com.

Applications

Applications should be submitted no later than 1st May 2022. Please note that there will be an ongoing screening process and that the position can be filled before the last application date. You can apply here.

Diversity is fundamental to our culture, why giving full and fair consideration to all applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status age, or political opinion is paramount to us.

With office locations in Europe and US and more than 15 nationalities, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity workplace with diverse perspectives and ideas. We work hard every day, but we also take the time to catch up with colleagues over a cup of coffee because our team is just as important as our science!

For further information about GALECTO see www.galecto.com