Director of Translational Pharmacology (Cardiac Biology)

About Forcefield Therapeutics

Are you ready to make history with us? Forcefield Therapeutics is not just another company—we’re revolutionising science by creating groundbreaking therapies that have never existed before.

We are a pioneer of best-in-class therapeutics to retain heart function via the protection of cardiomyocytes. Forcefield’s unique approach can both retain and protect heart cells, minimising the impact of myocardial infarction (MI) and preventing the cascade of events that can lead to subsequent heart failure.

With no playbook to follow, we’re charting our own path. This unique challenge means we’re constantly innovating, adapting, and collaborating across our entire organisation to solve novel problems.

Our entrepreneurial spirit runs deep, fostered by a dynamic environment where solutions are created, not handed down. We value enterprising individuals with an agile mindset, who are proactive, collaborative, and great communicators.

Role Summary

The Director of Translational Pharmacology will lead research strategies in cardiac biology, focusing on elucidating fundamental biological mechanisms to advance drug discovery and development from preclinical to clinical stages.

You will manage a team of scientists, overseeing research budgets, and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

This position is pivotal in advancing treatments for cardiac diseases, with the potential to transform patient outcomes globally.

This is a permanent full-time role based in London with some travel required. Forcefield currently operates with a hybrid working pattern.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement research strategies in cardiac biology to support drug discovery and translational development, incorporating cutting-edge biochemistry and molecular biology approaches.
• Team Management: Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of principal and senior scientists, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing research environment.
• Budget Oversight: Manage research budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Discovery Sciences, Clinical Development, and Regulatory Affairs to drive programs forward and integrate research findings.
• External Partnerships: Establish collaborations with academic institutions and external research organisations to leverage novel technologies and expertise.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all research activities comply with relevant regulatory standards and ethical guidelines.
• Scientific Communication: Present research findings to senior management, stakeholders, and at scientific conferences; contribute to scientific publications.

In addition to the ability to perform the above, the following skills/experiences are desirable:

• Education: Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Cardiac Biology, or a related field; DVM is advantageous.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in translational pharmacology with a focus on cardiac biology; at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Expertise: Proven track record in transitioning compounds from preclinical to clinical stages, with a strong foundation in biochemistry and mechanistic biology.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing scientific teams.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with regulatory requirements and guidelines pertinent to drug development.
• Innovation: Familiarity with emerging technologies like AI-driven drug discovery or high-throughput cardiac models.

This is a unique opportunity to work with a leading team of scientists with an international reputation for excellence in cardiovascular research. You will become a key contributor to an exciting project destined to change the course of treatment to retain and protect heart cells.

Benefits

At Forcefield you will enjoy a flexible and dynamic working environment that fosters creativity, leadership, and teamwork.

Our benefits package includes a competitive salary and performance related bonus, group pension plan matched, life insurance, and private medical insurance.