Company Overview
Beam Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to establishing the leading, fully integrated platform for precision genetic medicines. To achieve this vision, Beam has assembled a platform that includes a suite of gene editing and delivery technologies and is in the process of building internal manufacturing capabilities. Beam’s suite of gene editing technologies is anchored by base editing, a proprietary technology that is designed to enable precise, predictable and efficient single base changes, at targeted genomic sequences, without making double-stranded breaks in the DNA. This has the potential to enable a wide range of potential therapeutic editing strategies that Beam has used to advance a diversified portfolio of base editing programs, including four programs to the clinic. Beam’s lead program, BEAM-101 has recently demonstrated clinical validation in Sickle cell disease through upregulation of fetal hemoglobin in patients. Beam is a values-driven organization committed to its people, cutting-edge science, and a vision of providing life-long cures to patients suffering from serious diseases.
Position Overview:
In addition to BEAM-101, a potentially best-in-class engineered autologous cell therapy for Sickle cell disease, we are developing nextgen therapies for Sickle cell disease that aim to avoid toxic chemotherapy regimens as well as transplantation. We are also expanding our efforts beyond sickle cell disease and are seeking an innovative, drug discovery leader to lead our drug discovery efforts in hematological and immunological diseases using our clinically validated, state-of-the-art gene editing technology as well as our highly creative ESCAPE technology.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the prioritization, validation and translational biology efforts for our exciting current portfolio of hematological and immunological disease targets that can be effectively addressed via gene-editing
- Motivate and supervise a group of scientists to deliver high quality science and the rapid advancement of our existing therapeutic programs in Hematology and Immunology
- Build further on Beam’s vision for its future Hematology and Immunology pipeline and initiate additional therapeutic programs
- Impact Beam’s overall Research strategy and execution as a member of the Research Leadership Team.
- Contribute to the scientific strategy, partnership/business development strategy and output of the overall
company portfolio - Communicate scientifically rigorous findings via verbal and written communications, visualizations, and presentations both internally and externally
- Build and foster a network of external alliances across academia, industry and patients’ advocacy groups
Qualifications:
- A PhD or MD/Ph.D. in Hematology, Immunology, Biology, Biochemistry, or equivalent, and 15-20 years of experience of drug discovery, of which at least 5-7 in Hematology/Hemoglobinopathies or Autoimmune/Inflammatory diseases or Immuno-Oncology
- A proven track record of programs that have successfully progressed to clinical testing and of innovative approaches to drug discovery
- A deep understanding of the underlying disease biology, especially stem cell biology, and application of advanced sorting and omics methodologies to drive therapeutic programs forward.
- Experience of applying cell and gene therapy for drug discovery, as well as ex vivo/in vivo CAR-T experience are highly desirable
- Experience leading complex research teams, strong strategic and communication skills
- Strong scientific background and publication record with proven high levels of performance
- Ability to adapt to increasing scope and complexity of work brought on by growth/change and helps others manage through change.
- Knowledge of industry trends and ability to utilize that knowledge to determine the most efficient ways to meet business needs
- Strong network of academic/industry experts in Hematology or Immunology/Immuno-Oncology
- This is a Cambridge, MA based role. Candidates are expected to come onsite at least 3-4 days per week
