Overview

The Director of Research and Development will report to the SVP and collaborate closely with the current senior director of Research and Development to provide strategic direction and oversight to our discovery cluster based in Tampa, FL. The role involves leading scientific initiatives with a focus on gene editing (viral and non-viral based), developing and implementing scientific strategies, supervising and guiding a scientific team within the discovery cluster, and presenting research findings to relevant stakeholders.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for R&D, define scientific vision, and develop strategies to achieve goals.
• Provide scientific leadership on gene editing technologies, including viral and non-viral-based tools.
• Collaborate very closely with and serve as the deputy to a current senior director who is the discovery cluster leader.
• Collaborate with other teams and functions across Research and Development and Iovance.
• Oversee and manage research projects, ensuring they align with the organization's objectives.
• Manage resources and ensure that research projects are conducted efficiently.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and advancement within the organization.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure that research and development activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Mentor and guide our research team, including training and developing both PhD and non-PhD-trained scientific talent.
• Prepare and present reports, publications, and presentations on research findings and progress to various stakeholders.
• May be involved in patenting and protecting intellectual property generated from research activities.
• Ensure that research is conducted with the highest ethical standards.
• Identify and address potential risks related to safety, compliance, or project delays in research projects.

• Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics’ core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.
• Comply with Safety SOPs, SDS sheets, and laboratory procedures per company policy and OSHA regulations.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• A Ph.D. in genetics, immunology, molecular and cellular biology, or a related field with at least ten years of industry experience is required.
• Deep technical expertise using gene editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas9, TALEN) carried out in primary cells, including T cells, for assessment in pre-clinical disease models
• Deep technical expertise in molecular biology assays, including qPCR, ddPCR, and related technologies, is needed for advanced characterization and editing.
• In-depth knowledge of T cell and cancer biology and familiarity with current immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of solid tumors.
• Direct experience leading regulatory submissions for gene-edited cellular products.
• Extensive managerial experience.
• Drug development experience; excellent understanding of nonclinical requirements.
• Outstanding writing skills; analytical mind.
• Excellent communication skills in person and over conference calls with various individuals, from internal Research staff to academic collaborators, business partners, lawyers, and executive team.
• A highly motivated individual who is used to fast-paced environments and wants to be part of a dynamic team must have a collaborative spirit.

Preferred Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• Demonstrated expertise in managing and collaborating with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to optimize research and development activities.

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Please contact Human Resources to request accommodation.

Physical Demands and Activities Required

• Must be able to move to and from the office to the lab located on separate floors and move about the office and lab as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to grasp with both hands and perform repetitious actions such as pinching with the thumb and forefinger, turning with the hand/ arm, and reaching above shoulder height.
• Must be able to use several types of laboratory equipment and pipettes for extended periods.
• Must be able to work on a tablet or computer typing for 50% of a typical working day.
• Must be able to move and lift 20 pounds multiple times daily.
• Must be able to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, lab coats, and closed-toed shoes, when in a laboratory setting.

Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle deadlines-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines

Work Environment

This position will work in both an office and a laboratory setting. When in the lab, there may be a risk of exposure to hazardous or biological waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning, and/or disposal of contaminated areas and waste.

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They do not constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or change the position’s responsibilities at any time.

Iovance is committed to cultivating and offering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, our employees and applicants will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation to apply to one of our opportunities, please get in touch with careers@iovance.com.

By voluntarily providing information and clicking “Submit Application”, you explicitly consent to the collection and use of your personal information for the purposes described above and in our Candidate Privacy Notice.

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