Job Title:  HEAD OF DISEASE BIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY

Position Objective:

The Head of Pharmacology and Disease Biology will be responsible for defining and implementing scientific strategies to develop new therapeutic approaches in Angelini Pharma's key areas of interest, with a primary focus on Brain Health and possibly other relevant therapeutic areas. This position will lead a team of experts in pharmacology and disease biology, collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders, including consultants, CROs and academic collaborator to identify and validate new therapeutic targets, support drug discovery projects, and contribute to the progression of company’s drug discovery and development pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Scientific Strategy and Leadership
• Define and implement pharmacology and disease biology strategies within the R&D structure, aligned with Angelini Pharma’s vision.
• Develop and lead innovative projects to identify, characterize, and validate therapeutic targets within the company’s strategic areas.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation within the team and across the R&D structure.
2. Collaboration and External Innovation
• Collaborate with the Head of Global External Innovation and Drug Discovery to identify and assess opportunities for partnerships with external stakeholders, startups, universities, and research institutions.
• Support scientific and technological scouting activities to access new platforms, technologies, and innovative approaches.
• Participate in the scientific evaluation of partnership and licensing opportunities for new products or technologies.
3. Operational Management and Team Oversight
• Lead the pharmacology and disease biology team, ensuring the effective execution of R&D projects.
• Ensure scientific and technical quality in preclinical activities, including in vitro and in vivo studies with both internal and external teams.
• Oversee the selection, development, and validation of biomarkers to support the discovery and development of innovative drugs.
4. Collaboration with other functions within Global External Innovation and Drug Discovery and Global R&D
• Work closely with Medicinal Chemistry, Bioinformatics, DMPK and Non-clinical Toxicology and Clinical Development teams to ensure an integrated and seamless support to drug discovery and development pipeline projects.
• Support project transitions across preclinical to clinical phases through generation of robust scientific evidence and data.
• Contribute to indication selection and prioritization
• Provide leadership and support for MoA studies related to the commercial products of the company
5. Scientific Updates and Representation
• Stay up to date on the latest scientific and technological advancements in pharmacology and disease biology across Brain Health areas.
• Represent Angelini Pharma at scientific conferences, publish relevant research articles, and contribute to the company’s scientific positioning.

Role Requirements:

1. Academic Background:
• PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or related scientific disciplines.
• Significant postdoctoral experience in academia and industry is required.
2. Professional Experience:
• At least 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, particularly in CNS pharmacology and disease biology.
• Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary scientific teams and/or external partnerships.
• Strong expertise in Brain Health, psychiatry, neuroscience, or other therapeutic areas strategic to Angelini Pharma.
3. Technical Skills:
• Deep understanding of target validation processes, preclinical pharmacology, assay development, biomarker discovery and validation.
• Experience with in vitro and in vivo models, translational research, and drug development.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies in drug discovery, such as AI-based approaches or bioinformatics tools.
4. Soft Skills:
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams in an international environment.
• Results-oriented mindset with strategic thinking ability.
5. Languages:
• Fluent in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of other languages is a plus.