Head of Cardiovascular & Renal Discovery Research

Role Summary

The Internal Medicine Research Unit (IMRU), is focused on developing novel therapies to address key unmet needs in cardiovascular and renal disease. As a key member of the Internal Medicine Research Unit leadership team, this individual will be responsible for formulating and implementing a cardio-renal therapeutic strategy as well as leading a team of researchers to create a portfolio of discovery projects from ideation to clinical candidate selection.  This leader will develop a data-driven research strategy for identification and validation of targets for drug discovery and disease/target related biomarkers.  Substantial knowledge and experience in basic cardio-renal biology are essential, as is evidence of substantive accomplishments in the areas of renal and/or cardiovascular disease.  In addition, the individual will build and facilitate collaborations with partners in the scientific community, as well as within the Pfizer network.  He/she will have daily interactions with and supervision of a team of 20-25 creative and innovative scientists in a supportive environment to conduct rigorous scientific and drug discovery research. Strong self-motivation, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to lead and work as part of a team are essential qualities of the role. 

Role Responsibilities

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• Apply scientific and clinical expertise to the identification and validation of new drug candidates in the area of cardiovascular and renal disease.
• As a member of the RU leadership team, contribute to strategic planning and effective operation of the unit.
• Maintain a ‘cutting edge’ awareness of scientific and technical developments, human genetics, preclinical to clinical translation and apply these where possible to advance the portfolio programs. 
• Design and conduct studies to increase confidence in human biology for new approaches and targets.
• Provide strong scientific leadership and experimental guidance from target generation-to-clinical candidate programs for a team of scientists with diverse in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo biological expertise. 
• Partner effectively with multi-functional teams encompassing research (including Integrated Biology team and Chemistry) and development (including early clinical development group) 
• Actively contribute to the external collaborative scientific strategy, e.g., identify and build collaborations and liaise with external scientists.
• Create an environment that values innovation, leadership, employee development, scientific excellence, urgency and accountability.
• Present research findings to the scientific community through consistent publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of the results at scientific meetings.
• Ensure that all research/discovery work is conducted with highest quality and in accordance with relevant regulatory, QC, and compliance guidelines.
• Provide supervision and career development opportunities for team of 20-25 colleagues. 
• Advise leadership on issues of relative value and prioritization of ongoing programs.
• Actively explore opportunities for novel investments through partnerships with the outside biotech community and new scientific initiatives internally.

Basic Qualifications

Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.

• PhD, MD/PhD or MD with a minimum of 10-15 years research experience leading a research laboratory in academic or industry setting, with a sophisticated understanding of modern cardio-renal disease pathophysiology and underlying biology.
• A demonstrable record of applying the highest scientific rigor and ethical standards to the conduct of biomedical research.
• Experience leading or collaborating closely with a clinical group that carries out translation research or drug development studies.
• Demonstrated excellence in designing, executing and interpreting studies of cardiovascular and/or renal disease biomarkers in nonclinical studies that enable their validation for clinical application.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively while contributing to multiple projects, thrive in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team setting.  Strong written/verbal communication skills and ability to effectively collaborate with scientists working in other disciplines are essential.
• A demonstrated record of scientific achievement, for example through high quality and impactful publications in leading scientific and/or medical journals. 
• Evidence of prior success in colleague mentoring and career development

Preferred Qualifications

• Drug discovery experience is preferred but not essential. 

Other Information

• Eligible for Relocation Package
• Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $204,700.00 to $341,100.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 22.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Research and Development

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