Project Team Leader, Biology

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a Project Team Leader to drive oncology drug discovery programs from target validation through IND. This is a pivotal role that sits between hands-on execution and research leadership: you will translate strategic direction into actionable program plans, provide scientific leadership to a small team of scientists, and serve as the biology point person on cross-functional project teams.

Our work sits at the intersection of targeted protein degradation and antibody-based delivery, so demonstrated experience across both degrader and ADC modalities is central to this role. You will be the connective tissue between day-to-day execution and research strategy — setting scientific direction, unblocking the team, and keeping programs moving toward the clinic.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the biology strategy and execution for one or more oncology discovery programs spanning target validation, hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies.
• Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo plans to characterize degrader (molecular glue / PROTAC) and degrader antibody conjugate candidates — including mechanism of action, ternary complex / degradation readouts, antigen selection and internalization, linker-payload and DAR considerations, PK/PD, and efficacy in relevant tumor models.
• Serve as the biology representative on cross-functional project teams, partnering with chemistry, DMPK, toxicology, CMC, and translational functions to advance candidates toward IND.
• Translate high-level research strategy into clear workplans, timelines, and go/no-go criteria; anticipate risks and propose data-driven mitigations.
• Coordinate and oversee in vivo studies end to end, including scoping, CRO selection and management, dosing design, and data integrity.
• Mentor and provide scientific guidance to junior scientists, building ownership and independent decision-making rather than directing execution top-down.
• Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate data and program status to research leadership and the broader organization.
• Contribute to target evaluation, portfolio strategy, and the shaping of new program concepts.

Required qualifications

• PhD in cancer biology, molecular/cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field, with 8+ years or a Master's degree with commensurate experience 12+ years and a demonstrated record of independently leading discovery programs.
• Demonstrated track record advancing oncology discovery programs toward IND.
• Program-level or hands-on experience with targeted protein degradation — e.g., E3 ligase biology, molecular glues and/or PROTACs, ternary complex formation, degradation assays (HiBiT, immunoblot, proteomics).
• Experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) — e.g., target/antigen selection, internalization, linker-payload biology, DAR, bystander effect, and in vitro/in vivo characterization.
• Proven ability to design and interpret in vivo oncology pharmacology studies (xenograft / PDX, PK/PD, efficacy) and to manage CRO-run studies.
• Strong record of cross-functional collaboration across discovery and development.

Preferred qualifications (not required)

• Experience at the intersection of modalities (e.g., degrader-antibody conjugates or targeted delivery of degraders).
• Experience authoring or contributing to IND packages and interfacing with regulatory, DMPK, and toxicology functions.
• Familiarity with biomarker and translational strategy in oncology.
• Experience mentoring or leading scientists in a matrixed or flat organization spanning multiple sites and time zones.

What we're looking for

• Strategic — sees beyond the next experiment; connects data to program decisions and portfolio direction, and helps set the scientific agenda.
• Independent & self-driven — takes ownership of programs and moves them forward without close direction; comfortable operating with autonomy across sites and time zones.
• Collaborative — builds trust across functions and sites, communicates openly, and elevates the people around them.
• A multiplier, not a micromanager — empowers junior scientists to own their studies and make (and learn from) their own decisions, while providing clear scientific guidance and support.

*U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S. (green card) are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor/transfer at this time. 

*Candidate must be able to pass a background investigation. 

*Unable to work with 3rd party candidates or agencies. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily within the context of the representative work environment and physical demands described above. Likewise, qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the position’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Orum Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).