SERAC Biosciences AG is looking for an Associate Director / Director, Biology in Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD).
We are seeking an experienced biology leader to drive oncology / inflammation / immunology / immuno‑oncology degrader programs from target validation through lead optimization to development candidate nomination. The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of advancing degraders through the pipeline and will provide scientific and project leadership across discovery biology, translational pharmacology, biomarker strategy and pre-IND package preparation. As biology lead, you will play a key role in the organization, working with cross‑functional core teams spanning biology, chemistry, DMPK and toxicology on program strategy, milestones and risk mitigation across the pipeline.
Associate Director / Director, Biology – Targeted Protein Degradation
Basel, CH, Tech Park HB-C
Full-time
Permanent employee
About us
Responsibilities
- Lead oncology / inflammation / immunology / immuno‑oncology degrader programs from target identification and validation through lead optimization, candidate selection and IND‑enabling pharmacology and translational packages.
- Define and execute integrated biology and translational plans supporting lead identification and optimization, candidate selection, dose/regimen rationale, and first‑in‑human (FIH) study design for PROTAC and molecular glue programs.
- Oversee design, execution, and interpretation of ex vivo / in vivo efficacy and PD studies in relevant disease models, integrating PK/PD/degradation readouts to inform dose selection and biomarker strategy.
- Partner with DMPK and toxicology to ensure appropriate PK/PD–degradation integration, safety pharmacology input, and GLP/non‑GLP study design aligned with IND expectations for small‑molecule degraders.
- Develop and implement biomarker and PD strategies that capture degradation (e.g., target protein levels, pathway modulation, transcriptional signatures) and link these to efficacy and safety in preclinical models and early clinical studies.
- Develop and implement mechanism‑of‑action (MoA) and degradation pharmacology (including ternary complex formation and cooperativity, target engagement and ubiquitination assays, and degradation and resynthesis kinetics) to support go/no‑go decisions and clinical translation.
- Design and oversee cell‑based and biochemical assays tailored to induced‑proximity modalities (including ubiquitin remnant profiling, quantitative proteomics‑based degrader target identification, and neo‑substrate discovery for molecular glues).
- Evaluate and prioritize E3 ligases based on tissue distribution, disease context, safety liabilities, and druggability; collaborate with chemistry on hit identification, hit validation and ligand optimization strategies.
- Manage internal resources and external partners (CROs, academic collaborators) to deliver high‑quality degrader pharmacology and translational data on time and within budget.
- Present program strategy, key data, and go/no‑go recommendations to senior leadership and governance forums. Contribute to portfolio and modality strategy for TPD.
- Build, lead, and mentor a team of scientists (PhD, MSc, BSc) in discovery biology, in vivo pharmacology, and/or translational science, promoting innovation, rigorous experimental design, data integrity, clear communication and knowledge sharing across programs.
Qualifications
- PhD in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field.
- 8–12+ years of industry experience in biotech/pharma, with a clear track record of advancing small‑molecule oncology / immunology / immuno‑oncology programs from target validation through lead optimization to development candidate nomination.
- Deep/broad expertise in at least two of the following: oncology, tumor immunology, immune checkpoint pathways, T‑cell/NK‑cell biology, cytokine/chemokine signaling, tumor microenvironment, or autoimmune/inflammatory disease biology.
- Direct, hands‑on experience with targeted protein degradation, including PROTACs (bifunctional degraders) and/or molecular glue degraders (monovalent induced‑proximity compounds) as well as E3 ligase biology, ternary complex characterization, and degradation assay development.
- Proven experience designing and interpreting in vivo PK/PD, efficacy and translational studies in oncology / inflammation / immunology / immuno‑oncology.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams, manage CROs, and communicate complex science to diverse audiences (internal leadership, board of director, external collaborators, pharma partner).
- Experience spanning multiple TPD modalities (e.g., PROTACs, molecular glues, photo‑degraders, or other induced‑proximity chemotypes) and/or combination with other modalities (e.g., DACs, small‑molecule IO) is a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong publication and/or patent record is a plus.
- Data‑driven decision maker; strategic thinker with strong execution focus; able to balance innovation with deliverables and timelines in a fast‑moving TPD space.
- Adaptable and resilient; excited by the scientific and translational challenges unique to induced‑proximity therapeutics.
What we currently offer
- Prime Location: Our state-of-the-art laboratories and modern offices are located at the Technologiepark Basel, one of the city’s leading hubs for innovative and ambitious life-science start-ups.
- Commuter Benefits: We support your individual commuting needs with flexible options, including parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
- Flexible Working: We believe in flexibility and support modern ways of working wherever the role and business needs allow.
- Christmas Closure: Enjoy a well-deserved break at the end of the year. In addition to 24 days of annual leave, our offices and laboratories are closed between Christmas and New Year.
- Birthday Day Off: Your birthday is your day. Celebrate it your way with an extra paid day off to enjoy the things that matter to you.
- Lunch & Food: Great ideas often start around the lunch table. Enjoy delicious meals with your colleagues, supported through our Lunch Check benefit.
- Coffee & Connection: Take a break, grab a complimentary coffee, and connect with colleagues throughout the day.
- Learning & Development: We invest in our people and support individual growth, learning and professional development.
- Innovation & Creativity: Be part of an innovative, entrepreneurial and creative environment where new ideas are encouraged and collaboration is at the heart of what we do.
- Our People: Join an international and diverse team of talented, curious and passionate people who are united by the ambition to make a difference in science and healthcare.