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Director, Platform Biology

At Parallel Bio, we are using the immune system to unlock safer, more effective drugs. By creating access to genuine human biology in a diverse, reproducible, and scalable way we’re changing the way researchers find, test, refine, and deliver these life-changing therapies.

The human immune system is the master regulator of health and disease in our bodies. Current tools used to discover drugs that target the immune system are wildly inadequate. To fix this critical gap, Parallel Bio created a human ‘immune system in a dish’ to rapidly accelerate the development of new drugs and immunotherapies more likely to work in patients. This means developing drugs that are known to safely work in humans before the first patient receives the first dose and an end to needlessly destroying millions of lab animals in the pursuit of human health.

By blending this biological innovation with the latest in high-throughput lab automation and integrated data capture & analysis, we’re creating a new type of biotech – one that brings the advantages of cloud computing to next-generation wet lab studies.

Why Work With Us

As a biologist, joining our team means:

  • Pushing forward the understanding of how the immune system functions with real-world experimentation.

  • Helping create new experimental methods that can be repeated and varied from the keyboard instead of the bench.

  • Learning modern data & software practices - techniques considered beyond the cutting-edge in biotech.

  • Creating experiments where copies of the same organism can be held constant - either for varied treatments or repeated across replicants to drive down scientific uncertainty.

  • Access to diverse populations varied by sex, age, race, medical history can be used repeatedly and repeatably.

As a technologist, joining our team means bringing the rigor and scalability of computing into the biological domain:

  • Work a problem with clear benefits for humanity. This is work worth doing.

  • Bring modern software and data practices to biotech, an industry still catching up on 15 years of big data tech evolution.

  • The breadth of our systems is breath-taking: from low-level robotics programming to data science & visualization to AI models of immune response and everything in-between. As a small team we tend to work across these areas rather than be siloed into one of them.

  • Software is a first-class product concern at Parallel Bio, not a cost-center / service organization. We operate wet labs but we ship data-as-a-product.

  • Learn the intricacies of the biological computing system that is the human immune system: antibody selection and production is a complex search problem.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a Director, Platform Biology to lead our scientific team in executing and scaling pharmaceutical partnerships. This role presents a unique opportunity to bridge manual biological processes with automated solutions, while maintaining scientific oversight of both partnership execution and internal projects.

  • Build and lead a team of scientists and engineers to execute pharmaceutical partnerships, and to develop the biological aspects of the platform

  • Collaborate with pharmaceutical and biotech partners to define project scope and success criteria, ensure flawless execution of projects, present technical results and project updates internally and externally, and adapt experimental approaches based on partner feedback and requirements

  • Develop and implement scientific strategy for both manual and automated workflows

  • Provide scientific leadership for pharmaceutical partnerships and internal programs

  • Ensure scientific rigor across all platform operations, and institute and run processes for rapid troubleshooting

  • Collaborate with automation and engineering teams to optimize platform development and transition the immune organoid platform from mostly manual to fully automated

  • Collaborate with other internal stakeholders to continually assess platform bandwidth through co-development of capacity model

You will be a key member of the team and instrumental in defining and nurturing our culture around partnership execution and platform development. This role is a mix of technical and operational execution, external stakeholder management and development, and company-building.

Job Requirements

Note to candidates: the requirements listed here are an exhaustive list of useful traits but not a hard list of requirements. Candidates who don't fulfill one or more of the listed requirements but whom still think they are strong candidates are encouraged to apply.

Technical Abilities

  • Ph.D. in Immunology

  • 12+ years of relevant immunology research experience, with 6+ years in industry

  • Deep technical expertise in lymph node biology and immunologic memory

  • Led multiple external collaborations with other companies, universities, and other entities

  • Strong track record of successful project execution and delivery

  • Excellence in experimental design and data analysis

Organizational Abilities

  • Experience hiring, training, and leading cross-functional teams

  • Ability to mentor junior scientists and provide technical leadership on complex projects.

  • Strong project management skills with experience overseeing the entire lifecycle of immunology projects—from concept through execution, analysis, and conclusion.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring adherence to timelines, budget constraints, and quality standards.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills with a proven ability to troubleshoot complex biological issues in real-time.

  • Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams as well as external stakeholders.

Average salary estimate

$175000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$150000K
$200000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Director, Platform Biology, Parallel Biosystems

At Parallel Bio, we're expanding the horizons of drug development through our role as the Director, Platform Biology. Based in the vibrant city of Boston, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to bridge the gap between innovative biological experimentation and cutting-edge automation. As the driving force behind our scientific team, you’ll lead initiatives that revolutionize the way drugs targeting the immune system are developed. Imagine working with a talented group of scientists and engineers dedicated to crafting a human ‘immune system in a dish’ – a concept that could redefine immunotherapy. Your responsibilities will not only include managing pharmaceutical partnerships and ensuring scientific rigor but also guiding the transition from manual processes to fully automated solutions. Your expertise in lymph node biology and immunologic memory, honed through over a decade of research, will be essential. Collaborating closely with engineers, you will optimize platform development and ensure our projects not only meet but exceed partner expectations. At Parallel Bio, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a culture that propels scientific advancements, creating an environment where innovative experiments can thrive. Join us in this vital mission, where your leadership will directly contribute to safer, more effective therapies that can change lives. Experience the thrill of pushing boundaries while working alongside a passionate team committed to transforming the biotech landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director, Platform Biology Role at Parallel Biosystems
What are the main responsibilities of the Director, Platform Biology at Parallel Bio?

As the Director, Platform Biology at Parallel Bio, your primary responsibilities include leading a team of scientists and engineers focused on executing pharmaceutical partnerships and enhancing the biological aspects of our cutting-edge platform. This entails collaborating with partners to define project scopes, ensuring seamless execution, presenting technical project updates, and adapting experimental approaches based on feedback. You'll also be tasked with developing and implementing both manual and automated workflows, maintaining scientific rigor, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

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What qualifications are required for the Director, Platform Biology position at Parallel Bio?

Candidates for the Director, Platform Biology position at Parallel Bio should possess a Ph.D. in Immunology alongside at least 12 years of relevant research experience, including a minimum of 6 years in the industry. Additionally, strong technical proficiency in lymph node biology and immunologic memory, as well as a proven track record of managing external collaborations and successful project execution, are key qualifications needed for this role.

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How does the Director, Platform Biology contribute to innovation at Parallel Bio?

The Director, Platform Biology plays a crucial role in driving innovation at Parallel Bio by blending manual biological experiments with advanced automation. Your leadership ensures that scientific practices evolve with modern data and software techniques, enabling the development of cutting-edge experimental methods. By leveraging automation, you'll also help eliminate traditional pains such as reliance on live animal testing, fostering a more humane approach to drug development.

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What kind of experience does a successful Director, Platform Biology candidate at Parallel Bio bring?

A successful candidate for the Director, Platform Biology role at Parallel Bio generally brings extensive experience in immunology research, particularly in leading projects from concept through execution. Expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and a strong foundation in managing complex collaborations is essential. Furthermore, experience in guiding cross-functional teams and mentoring junior scientists is often a hallmark of top candidates.

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What sets Parallel Bio apart for the Director, Platform Biology role?

Parallel Bio stands out as a transformative force in biotechnology, integrating cloud computing benefits with cutting-edge biological research. In the Director, Platform Biology role, you’ll thrive in a culture that emphasizes scientific innovation and collaborative problem-solving. The company’s commitment to advancing human health by creating pioneering tools for drug development offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the biotech sector.

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Common Interview Questions for Director, Platform Biology
Can you describe your experience with leading external collaborations in immunology?

When answering this question, focus on specific projects you've led and the outcomes achieved. Highlight your role in collaborating with universities or biotech firms, emphasizing your ability to bridge diverse teams. Discuss how you managed expectations, ensured timelines, and contributed to successful knowledge-sharing.

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How do you approach project management in complex biological research?

In your response, outline your project management strategy. Mention any methodologies you employ, such as Agile or Lean principles, and how you apply these during the lifecycle of a project, from planning to execution and analysis. Emphasize your skills in managing cross-functional teams and communication with stakeholders.

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What technical expertise do you bring to the Director, Platform Biology role?

Discuss your deep understanding of immunology, especially lymph node biology and immunologic memory. Include any specific technologies or methodologies you’re proficient in, such as experimental design, high-throughput screening, or automation integration, and explain how these skills will benefit Parallel Bio.

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How do you ensure scientific rigor in your research initiatives?

To answer this, specify the protocols and standards you implement in research initiatives. Discuss the importance of data accuracy, reproducibility of results, and ethical considerations in your work. Demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high scientific standards and how you address any challenges that arise.

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Describe a time you adapted a project approach based on feedback.

Share a detailed example where you received feedback that required changes in your project plan. Describe how you integrated this feedback, the adjustments you made, and the positive outcomes as a result. Highlight your flexibility and openness to collaboration.

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What strategies do you use to mentor junior scientists?

Talk about your mentoring philosophy, focusing on fostering a collaborative learning environment. Give specific examples of successful mentorship experiences, such as guiding a junior scientist through a challenging project or facilitating their professional development. Highlight any formal mentorship programs you've initiated.

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How do you handle tight deadlines in a multi-project environment?

When discussing tight deadlines, emphasize your organizational skills and time management strategies. Mention any tools or systems you employ to prioritize tasks effectively. Provide examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain quality and meet project deliverables on time.

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What role does data analysis play in your research process?

Describe the significance of data analysis in your research and how you leverage it to inform experimental design and outcomes. Highlight any specific analytical tools or techniques you utilize and how data-driven insights lead to improved project success.

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Can you share an example of a successful project execution in your previous roles?

Choose a project that illustrates your skills in execution and collaboration. Discuss the project's scope, your contributions, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. Emphasize the positive results achieved and any accolades received as a result.

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What innovations would you propose for the role of Director, Platform Biology?

When addressing innovation, express your vision for the position, considering industry trends and scientific advancements. Discuss specific ideas or technologies you believe could enhance platform biology at Parallel Bio, such as advancements in laboratory automation or integrations of AI, and explain their potential impact on drug development.

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DATE POSTED
December 25, 2024

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