Lab Head for Neurovascular and Blood Brain Biology Job in Cambridge, Massachusetts US
Lab Head for Neurovascular and Blood Brain Biology
The Lab Head for Neurovascular Biology will be responsible for leading a group of 3 - 5 scientists and postdoctoral fellows working to identify and validate new targets for CNS disease and to enhance delivery of drugs and macromolecules across the blood brain barrier. The Lab Head will be responsible for identifying and validating new targets for CNS drug discovery in the Neuroscience Research Unit's portfolio. The successful candidate will: - Develop new models to understand neurovascular physiology and how this contributes to changes in neuronal circuit function in the context of CNS disease, - Identify and validate new targets and mechanisms, including transporters, to enhance delivery of compounds and biomacromolecules across the blood brain barrier. - Develop models to probe immune system - nervous system interactions in the context of CNS disease. - Develop a powerful integrative approach which incorporates in vivo imaging, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and/or electrophysiology to understand neuronal, vascular and metabolic activity in models of neurodegenerative and other disorders. - Work closely with human biologists in the Neuroscience and other Research Units to translate assays in animal models to humans in the context of neurological, neurodegenerative and neurovascular disease. - Be a clear thinker, dynamic speaker and a scientifically focused, visible leader in academics or industry, and will be encouraged to bring their research interests to the lab they lead. - Maintain and engage a strong external network of collaborators, and shape ongoing international collaborations focused on neurovascular and blood brain barrier biology. - Publish high-impact, cutting edge research in top tier scientific journals. - Develop an interactive scientific environment which engages colleagues across the Neuroscience Research Unit, develops direct reports, and makes substantive contributions to projects across the Unit. Responsibilities Target Identification Validation: - Develop strategies to identify and validate new targets neurovascular and blood brain barrier biology in the context of CNS disease. - Designs and implements experiments to achieve a deep mechanistic understanding of target biology. - In conjunction with the Department Head and other Lab Heads, ensures strong collaboration to utilize intellectual and technical strengths across the Department. - Collaborate with key internal and external biomedical scientists to drive improved understanding of disease pathophysiology and target biology to deliver a highly competitive and innovative early-stage drug discovery portfolio. - Foster collaborative and productive interactions between Pfizer colleagues and academic biomedical researchers. Deliver the Neuroscience Research Unit Portfolio: - Deliver high-value and validated targets into the portfolio, and progress projects through the Neuroscience pipeline. - Ensure on-going programs are aligned with Neuroscience Research Unit strategic objectives. - Engage colleagues in the Neuroscience Research Unit, partner lines, and Pfizer Business Units to define and drive therapeutic, biomarker, and clinical development strategies. Management: - Ensure projects are adequately resourced and prioritized to deliver on objectives. - Build a laboratory with the quality of science and external recognition to generate competitive advantage in attracting the best talent and collaborators. - Effectively, rigorously, and accurately review and develop talent. Proactively address development needs and make personnel adjustments when appropriate. - Foster a culture of open collaboration, communication and transparency. - Ensure all activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements and with Pfizer corporate policies. Communication: - Clearly communicate and articulate the vision and strategy to stakeholders. - Regularly report on project progress to the Department Head, members of the Neuroscience Research Unit leadership team, and to other partners and stakeholders across the organization. - Mentor lab members to develop strong oral and written communication skills. Qualifications Training Education Preferred: - Ph.D., M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. - Deep insight and knowledge of neurovascular and blood brain barrier biology and CNS disease. - Demonstrated abilityto implement emerging technologies and approaches. - Established track record of innovation and successful interdisciplinary interactions. Prior Experience Preferred: - 5+ years of postdoctoral research experience. - Track record of leading a scientific team in academia or industry. - Established record of high quality scientific research and publications in top tier journals. - Established national and emerging international scientific reputation. - Experience in mentoring junior scientists and postdoctoral fellows.