Associate Vice President - CSO - Gene Therapy

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

We are seeking a dynamic leader to shape our preclinical studies of internal and external gene therapy programs at Lilly. The CSO will play a key scientific leadership role in developing and executing the translational research strategy for gene therapies at Lilly. The individual will guide the development of, and oversee the implementation and reporting of, nonclinical studies in support of early phase clinical trials, through eventual late phase clinical trials and marketing applications, and ultimately in support of product lifecycle management. The successful candidate will be both independent and able to lead matrixed nonclinical teams, with the experience and motivation to succeed at the highest level, guiding a team of scientists who strive to unite caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world.  

• Collaborate with leadership across Lilly Gene Therapy and the Institute for Genetic Medicine to establish and execute the R&D strategy across multiple therapeutic areas, taking into account areas of breaking science and leveraging internal strengths to develop genetic medicines that address high unmet need
• Lead the execution of the R&D strategy through effective management of therapeutic area / platform / functional leaders responsible for nonclinical activities that support project, program, and platform objectives; responsible for budgets and timelines of these aspects of development
• Guide therapeutic area / platform / functional leadership in operationalizing the R&D strategy, and oversee the design, and oversee execution and interpretation of complex nonclinical projects and studies; responsible for leading teams to timely deliverables, including data analyses and preparation of presentations and reports
• Compile and summarize nonclinical study information, including efficacy and toxicology studies and ensure information, including potential impact, is communicated appropriately and accurately to cross-functional program teams and Gene Therapy leadership
• Present analyses and interpretations of nonclinical studies to regulatory agencies and other oversight bodies in meetings; prepare nonclinical section of regulatory filings, including briefing packages, IND applications / CTAs, safety reviews, investigator brochures, and marketing applications in compliance with applicable regulations 
• Lead nonclinical research teams in Boston, New York, and Indianapolis, responsible for oversight of all nonclinical studies, including GLP studies, as well as specialized nonclinical and clinical assays; partner with other research groups that conduct or oversee execution of non-GLP nonclinical studies
• Build and maintain strong relationships with CROs or other vendors or strategic partners supporting nonclinical research
• Maintain timelines and resourcing for nonclinical projects, implementing processes and identification of critical program / project activities or constraints
• Prioritize a highly collaborative, cross-functional approach to research and development that recognizes the need to seek and integrate multiple perspectives to address new challenges

Basic Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. or advanced degree in biomedical sciences, preferably with focus on translational research, and 20+ years of relevant experience, with at least 15 years in biotech / pharma
• 5+ years of experience with development of AAV gene therapy or nonviral gene editing programs is required

Additional Skills/Preference:

• Comprehensive experience with biochemistry, cellular biology, and / or molecular biology; deep experience in translational sciences
• Experience leading and developing teams, and a track record of effective team management and professional development of scientists and managers who manage multiple projects at varying stages of development under time pressure
• Extensive knowledge of GLP regulations and reporting requirements (e.g., SEND datasets)
• Ability to multi-task and manage several projects in parallel
• High attention to detail
• Progressive record with proven successes in translational development of genetic medicines
• Demonstrated excellent analytical, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with scientists and non-scientists
• Highly effective presentation skills
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial yet highly disciplined environment

• Lilly currently anticipates that the base salary for this position could range from between $261,750 to $383,900 and will depend, in part, on the successful candidate’s qualifications for the role, including education and experience. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Of course, the compensation described above is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described above. Further, Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and help our company develop talented individuals for future leadership roles. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, African American Network, Chinese Culture Network, Early Career Professionals, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinos at Lilly, PRIDE (LGBTQ + Allies), Veterans Leadership Network, Women’s Network, Working and Living with Disabilities. Learn more about all of our groups.

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