Job Title: Executive Director/VP, ADC Biology
Department: Drug Discovery
Location: Shanghai
Position Summary
We are seeking an accomplished and visionary leader in cancer biology to spearhead the development of our next-generation Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) platform and pipeline. As the Vice President of Tumor Biology, you will serve as the strategic scientific leader responsible for driving target discovery, ADC molecule design, and pipeline progression from early discovery to preclinical development. Your deep expertise in oncology mechanisms and ADC technology will be critical to establishing our company as a leader in innovative cancer therapeutics.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Pipeline Development:
- Develop and execute the long-term scientific strategy for our ADC pipeline, ensuring alignment with company goals and unmet medical needs.
- Lead novel target identification, validation, and program initiation based on robust tumor biology and clinical insights.
- Serve as the company's top scientific authority on ADC programs, providing expert guidance to senior management and board-level stakeholders.
- Next-Generation ADC Platform Innovation:
- Lead deep mechanistic studies on target biology, signaling pathways, biomarker identification, and resistance mechanisms.
- Guide the design and execution of complex functional assays and in vivo studies to evaluate efficacy, safety, and differentiation of ADC candidates.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Antibody Engineering, Pharmacology, Toxicology, CMC) to advance programs to IND submission.
Scientific & Technical Guidance:
- Direct target assessment, mechanism of action studies, and molecular design strategies for TCE programs
- Oversee the functional characterization of candidate molecules through in vitro and in vivo studies to establish comprehensive product profiles
- Provide expert guidance on TCE-specific challenges during molecule optimization and development
Collaborate closely with Development Science and Translational Medicine teams on IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions.
Team Building & Talent Development:
- Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team focused on ADC programs and platform development.
- Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the organization.
- Serve as a scientific mentor and thought leader, elevating the capabilities and impact of the entire research organization.
Qualifications & Experience
- Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
- 12+ years of progressive experience in oncology drug discovery in pharma industry, with substantial expertise in ADC development.
- Deep understanding of tumor biology mechanisms relevant to ADC development (e.g., oncogenic signaling, apoptosis, internalization mechanisms, DNA damage response).
- Direct experience in developing next-generation ADC platforms, with expertise in novel payloads, linker technologies, and conjugation strategies.
- Strong track record in target identification, validation, and strategic program leadership.
- Expertise in complex preclinical tumor models and translational research approaches.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for scientific innovation and excellence.
- Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.