Senior Scientific Lead, Early Development – Topical Nucleic Acid Therapy m/f/d

• Advance science. Develop nucleic acid-based technologies from early research towards candidates for topical dermatology, bringing in your own ideas and scientific concepts into proof-of-concept.
• Prove feasibility. Translate early nucleic acid-based formulation technologies into functional and cell-based assays to demonstrate technical feasibility and clinical relevance. Design pre-clinical models and studies, and interpret and present your data to peers and experts.
• Drive the work with our partners. Own your projects starting with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) with operational excellence and full budget accountability, including the selection, recommendation and management of external research organizations, ensuring high-quality execution and scientific rigor.
• Shape the direction. Help define the development strategy, present results and recommendations to management, and take the opportunity to build a team as the program evolves.

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry or similar.
• Several years of relevant experience in nucleic acid therapeutics within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Deep expertise in nucleic acid-based technologies such as siRNA, ASO, and/or mRNA.
• Hands-on experience in nucleic-acid delivery system for cellular and tissue targeting including in-vitro, ex-vivo, functional or cell-based assays.
• Experience with nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms (e.g. LNPs).
• Track record in running early development projects.
• Experience in managing external partners, e.g. external research providers, CROs.
• Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to present complex science convincingly to cross-functional teams, governance committees, and company stakeholders.

You will work with a high degree of independence within a bigger team, shape the scientific direction, and see your own ideas turn into results.