VP Oligotherapeutics Development

SENISCA is seeking to recruit a VP Oligotherapeutics Development to join our expanding team. This is an exciting new opening to join us as we enter an exciting phase of company growth and R&D expansion with the possibility of developing into leadership responsibilities in the future.

About SENISCA:

SENISCA is a biotech spinout company from the University of Exeter, founded in 2020 and dedicated to the development of new approaches to reverse cellular senescence (senotherapeutics).

Our founders are world leaders in molecular and cellular biology and have patent-protected an innovation for the reversal of cellular senescence. This innovation works by restoring the ability of cells to ‘fine tune’ the expression of their genes to rejuvenate aged cells.

At SENISCA, we are using this knowledge, concerning how and why cells become senescent, to develop a new generation of oligonucleotide-based interventions, to turn back the ageing clock in old cells, and to target the diseases of age-related disease.

The role presents an excellent opportunity for a motivated, dynamic and visionary industry-leader in oligonucleotide therapeutic development with excellent communication and presentation skills to contribute to SENISCA’s therapeutic vision.

Responsibilities include:

• Guide oligonucleotide efforts (including tools and therapeutics) in projects as project team member or PTL
• Be the in-house oligonucleotide (ASO) expert on chemistry, delivery and biodistribution and advise project teams on oligonucleotide innovation and development
• Provide scientific leadership for the design and synthesis of oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide conjugates
• Build SENISCA’s oligonucleotide capabilities through CRO or industry collaborations
• Develop and work with external CROs/CMOs to support external oligonucleotide synthesis
• Work cross-functionally to drive oligonucleotide projects through different stage gates towards clinical development candidates
• Deeply engage cross-functionally to evaluate new targets towards drug discovery efforts
• Externally facing expert at conferences, meetings and future investor discussions
• In close collaboration with the CDO, provide oligonucleotide-centric leadership in the candidate-to-clinic-transition efforts (manufacturing, tox campaign, regulatory strategy, etc.)

Required Experience:

• PhD in organic, peptide or oligonucleotide chemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline with at least 10+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide design, synthesis, conjugation and formulation
• Deep understanding of the oligonucleotide drug discovery process
• Deep knowledge of RNA chemistry and biology applied to lead optimization of therapeutic candidate
• Demonstrated track record of leadership advancing oligonucleotide projects through different stages of drug discovery and early-stage development
• Proven leadership capabilities in cross-functional teams
• High level of creativity and productivity towards solving drug discovery problems
• Deep experience in setting up and using CROs for oligonucleotide drug discovery
• Track record of innovation and impact on projects through peer-reviewed publication and/or patent applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across multi-functional teams
• Intellectual curiosity to push the boundaries of drug discovery

Desired Experience:

• Knowledge in the application of oligo therapeutics to biology in therapeutics areas of pulmonary, dermatology, rheumatology and ophthalmology diseases is desired
• Understanding of the Regulatory framework/requirements in the development of oligonucleotide drugs
• Clinical experience (asset progressed into early clinical studies)
• IP/Business development angle
• Prior experience in a biotech start-up environment

Your Benefits:

• Market rate salary
• Ample opportunity to grow with the company as we scale
• Pension; discretionary performance-related bonus