Project Lead, Muna Therapeutics, Copenhagen, Denmark
Who We Are
Muna Therapeutics is a biotech company that develops first-in-class therapeutics for
neurodegenerative diseases. Our scientific founders are from Aarhus University and
VIB / KU Leuven, and we are backed a syndicate of leading European and US
investors, from whom we raised a Series A round of funding. Muna Tx’s strategy is
based on an innovative, all-in-human discovery engine, deep understanding of disease
genetics and pathophysiology, world-class structural biology expertise, and experienced
medicinal chemistry and translational biology, focused on developing first-in-class small
molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases including Frontotemporal
Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. The company is located in
Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark and Leuven, Belgium.
The Role
We are seeking to fill the role of Project Lead to advance drug discovery projects
through the full preclinical value chain towards candidate selection and IND enabling
studies in the fields of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. The incumbent will be
responsible for leading a multidisciplinary and international project team in a matrixed
organization comprising chemistry, biology, pharmacology, safety, ADME,
bioinformatics, translational medicine and regulatory experts from Muna as well as
partnering CROs. Moreover, the successful candidate will be responsible for drafting
and delivering against project plans and developing the project strategy in close
interaction with the Muna management team. He or she will report directly to the CSO,
and closely interact with leaders across Muna sites and strategic business partners.
Responsibilities
• Lead project teams to advance drug discovery projects through target validation,
screening, hit-to-lead, lead optimization and candidate selection for IND enabling
studies.
• Serve as accountable lead for project maturation according to defined goals and
deliverables.
• Define critical and exploratory path activities together with the project team,
including translational biomarker identification, safety evaluation and IP
protection.
• Collect, visualize, and communicate project status and plans to the Muna
management team, Scientific Advisory Board, Board of Directors and other key
stakeholders; timely act to mitigate risk or delays.
• Track and communicate competitive activities including impact evaluation.
• Serve as key liaison for external CRO partners and ensure harmonized activity
plans between internal and external activities.
• Able to design and implement in vitro or in vivo studies, e. g. in heterologous cell
systems, hIPSC models, mouse or rat pharmacology studies, as well as design
validation approaches for new, customized models.
• Build strong project teams across all Muna sites and foster an open, constructive,
and respectful interaction between team members.
• Contribute to and/or lead the preparation of key internal and external
presentations, including presentations at scientific meetings and manuscripts for
publication.
Qualifications
• PhD in Neuroscience or related field.
• Three to 5 years of postdoctoral experience in neuroscience or other discipline,
with strong record of research accomplishments, presentations at scientific
meetings and publications in top tier journals.
• Five+ years previous biotech or pharma/industry experience in neurology, rare
neurology or neuro-immunology Research and Development, with experience
leading multi-disciplinary project teams in a matrix organization throughout drug
discovery stages towards first-in-human Phase 1 regulatory filings.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral; experienced with graphic
illustration of project plans and progress.
• Proven experience with designing project plans, screening cascades, critical path
activities, goals & deliverables, Gantt charts, dose-effect relationship, SWOT
analyses, key compound characteristics, TPPs and regulatory requirements for
clinical Phase 1 studies.
• Solid knowledge of technical aspects of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology.
• Able to work effectively in a cross-functional R&D setting.
• Strong record of engaging with and ensuring deliverables and timelines from
CRO organizations.
• Comfortable with the dynamic pace and rapid decision-making needs of a
startup environment.
• Result-oriented professional with can-do attitude and willing to go the extra
mile.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate
effectively to stakeholders across the organization, to the Board, at scientific
conferences and with external stakeholders.
How to Apply
Send cover letter and full Curriculum Vitae, including name and contact information for
3-4 professional references as PDF files by email to the attention of Dr. Niels Plath,
Chief Scientific Officer ([email protected]). Applications will be evaluated
on a continuous basis. The role is available immediately.
