Associate Director, Non-Clinical Research

Boston, MA
Full Time
Translational Research + Development
Experienced
Company Overview
Rhythm is a global, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to transforming the lives of patients and their families living with rare neuroendocrine diseases. We develop medicines for previously untreatable or undertreated diseases and provide meaningful support for healthcare providers and patients and their families. We recognize the courage it takes for patients and their caregivers to begin their journey of advocacy to find the answers they need. Their courage inspires us to challenge convention, ask bold questions and seek answers for them. Every day, we strive for excellence through our willingness to adapt, learn, and our tenacity to overcome barriers, together.

Opportunity Overview
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Associate Director, Non-Clinical Research to join the Translational Research and Development (TRAD) team. The successful candidate will be involved in driving internal research and development activities critical to the advancement of the Rhythm product pipeline for neuroendocrine diseases. Responsibilities will include supporting the inception, design, operationalization, management and interpretation of non-clinical development studies and exploratory research activities that expand understanding of Rhythm pharmacological assets and indications. The efforts of this role will inform broader Rhythm translation and clinical activities and contribute to overall company strategy. This role will report into the Sr. Director, Non-Clinical Development.

Responsibilities and Duties
  • Support and oversee Rhythm’s non-clinical programs, in particular support all drug discovery research activities from lead generation to IND and contribute to early clinical studies related to different programs.
  • Support/lead and innovate the design, development, and execution of in vitro pharmacology assays and in vivo studies in animal models of disease to assess the biological activity, mechanism of action, and efficacy of novel therapies targeting primarily rare genetic obesity diseases and genetic metabolic disorders.
  • Select and manage contract research organizations (CROs) to support non-clinical development programs
  • Design and manage non-GLP and GLP pre-clinical studies (pharmacology, PK/PD, DRF, toxicology) conducted at different CROs for inclusion in IND filing or for possible new indications
  • Exercise technical expertise in the design, execution of the studies, data analysis and interpretation of results that contribute/support project goals
  • Provide expertise and guidance to other functional areas in the company to ensure that all non-clinical studies are performed in a timely manner and executed at high quality
  • Prepare technical reports, quantitative analyses, protocols, and scientific presentations
  • Communicate effectively to discuss project progress, interpret, and present data internally and externally at scientific meetings and conferences
  • Actively support and pursue necessary external collaborations
  • Support budget planning

Qualifications and Skills
  • PhD or M.D./Ph.D. in neuroscience, metabolism, molecular biology, genetics or physiology preferred
  • 5+ years of related experience in industry, including research experience in the pharmaceutical sector preferably in metabolic diseases and/or neurobiology
  • Experience working with small molecules and/or biologics
  • Solid knowledge of the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases across multiple indications, including rare genetic diseases of obesity, general obesity, diabetes, and rare genetic metabolic disorders and the application of cellular and molecular mechanisms and models to support program development/decisions
  • Experience in clinical biomarker of obesity and metabolic disorders and/or other advanced therapeutic modalities
  • Extensive experience in the design, conduct and data analysis of in vitro pharmacokinetic assays and in vivo PK/PD experiments in different animal models of metabolic and genetic diseases of obesity
  • Significant experience in managing CROs across the globe for preclinical discovery or translational studies and developing possible biomarkers for clinical studies
  • Strong understanding of non-clinical safety toxicology program with experience in protocol and report preparation
  • Prior experience in IND filing and authoring and reviewing relevant sections to support regulatory submissions across multiple projects and geographical areas
  • Proven ability to learn new information rapidly and effectively while working in a highly dynamic and fast-paced environment
  • Solid understanding of drug development to support program development cross functionally
  • Proficient in using xls, Prism (Graph Pad) programs for data analysis
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workloads
  • Excellent verbal and written communication with the ability to influence across the organization
  • Creative, innovative, strategic, problem-solving approach
  • Independent self-starter, but with an ability to be a strong team player in a highly collaborative environment

This role is based out of our corporate office in Boston, Massachusetts. Rhythm operates in a hybrid-work model. Candidates applying must be willing and able to be in the Boston office in coordination with their department and business needs. This role may involve some travel.

More about Rhythm 
We are a dynamic and growing global team spanning more than a dozen countries. At Rhythm we are dedicated to transforming the lives of patients living with rare neuroendocrine diseases by rapidly advancing care and precision medicines that address the root cause.  Our team is passionate about expanding access to reach more patients and developing novel therapies for other rare neuroendocrine diseases, including congenital hyperinsulinism.

At Rhythm our core values are:
  • We are committed to advancing scientific understanding to improve patients’ lives
  • We are inspired to tackle tough challenges and have the courage to ask bold questions
  • We are eager to learn and adapt
  • We believe collaboration and ownership are foundational for our success
  • We value the unique contribution each individual brings to furthering our mission

Rhythm is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service, or any other class protected by state or federal law.
Headquartered in Boston, Rhythm is proud to have been named one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts.



 
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