Associate Director/Director, R&D

Job Summary:

  • Kivu Bioscience is seeking a driven and experienced R&D leader who will be responsible for planning, coordinating and managing activities for our preclinical programs across our next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline.  
  • This exciting opportunity requires collaboration within a cross-functional development team, providing critical scientific thinking in the design, execution, and interpretation of pharmacology, non-GLP safety, biomarker, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic studies.
  • Reporting to the SVP of Translational Medicine, the ideal candidate will bring deep scientific expertise in oncology drug development and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and execute preclinical research plans from concept to data interpretation while staying abreast of current oncology scientific literature. 
  • This is an opportunity to help build a pipeline that delivers potentially safer, more effective cancer therapies to patients.

 

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Design, execute and analyze preclinical studies to support Kivu’s pipeline
  • Deliver and generate high-quality preclinical data packages in a timely manner to support go/no-go and critical program decisions
  • Lead IND-enabling efforts and support program transition into Phase 1 development
  • Collaborate closely with internal and external technical/scientific teams to define, refine and execute research plans
  • Oversee contract research organization (CRO) timelines, deliverables and budgets
  • Identify and mitigate risks in translational research plans to ensure successful execution of program goals and keep programs on track
  • Author and review preclinical study reports, regulatory documents and manuscripts
  • Evaluate emerging biomarkers and integrate translational strategies to guide decision-making
  • Stay current on scientific literature and emerging ADC technologies

 

Qualification & Education Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in the biological sciences
  • Minimum 10 years of post-PhD industry experience in the biopharma industry; experience in oncology and ADCs is strongly preferred
  • Proven track record designing and executing in vitro and in vivo experimental models
  • Experience managing preclinical studies and working with CROs
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams

 

Preferred Skills:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with strategic mindset  
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Deep understanding of oncology drug development and ADC biology
  • Ability to inspire a positive work environment and help champion quality, innovation and teamwork

 

About Kivu Bioscience:

Kivu Bioscience is pioneering next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in oncology. The company’s proprietary linker-payload technology delivers enhanced safety and efficacy, minimizing off-target effects to improve patient outcomes. With multiple ADC programs in development and a team of industry veterans, Kivu is advancing its first two lead candidates to clinical trials. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, CA.

To learn more, visit https://kivubioscience.com/

 

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