Hybrid Assoc. Director/Director of Radiation Biology & Late Development at Fusion Pharmaceuticals

Associate Director/Director of Radiation Biology and Late Development

Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a member of the AstraZeneca Group, is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radioconjugates (RCs) as precision medicines.  Fusion connects alpha particle emitting isotopes to various targeting molecules to selectively deliver the alpha emitting payloads to tumors.  Fusion’s clinical portfolio includes:  FPI-2265 targeting prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer currently in a Phase 2 trial;  FPI-2284, a radioconjugate targeting six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate-2 (STEAP2), currently in a Phase 1 trial; and FPI-2068, a bispecific IgG-based EGFR-cMET targeted radioconjugate currently in a Phase 1 trial.  In addition, Fusion is pursuing combination programs between RCs and DNA Damage Response Inhibitors (DDRis) and immune-oncology agents. Fusion has a fully operational Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant state-of-the-art radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility to meet supply demand for Fusion's growing pipeline of RCs.  

Position summary: 

We are seeking a strategic and driven radiation biologist to lead the biological investigation of radioconjugate therapies. This role will be central to shaping the scientific understanding of RC mechanism of action, resistance biology, and rational combination strategies. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in DNA damage response, cell biology, and in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo-based analyses, and will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced discovery environment.

This role will report to the Senior Director of Biology and partner closely with therapeutic program leads, animal pharmacology, and clinical/translational medicine teams to advance radioconjugate programs into clinical studies.

Key responsibilities:

• Define mechanism of action (MoA), resistance biology, and rational combination strategies for radioconjugate (RC) programs, generating data packages that inform candidate selection and biomarker planning
• Collaborate with Program Leads, Animal Pharmacology and Late Development teams to design and execute in vivo and in vitro combination studies, and analyze efficacy and pharmacodynamic data  
• Lead in vitro and tissue-based studies to elucidate MoA and characterize responses to RC monotherapy and combinations 
• Develop and optimize fit-for-purpose in vitro assays and technology platforms (e.g. IHC, clonogenic assays, 3D assays, imaging, biochemical assays) 
• Leverage biological insights from MoA studies to identify and refine biomarkers, and partner with Translational Medicine teams to explore their relevance for diagnostic development
• Contribute to scientific strategy and external visibility by staying abreast of emerging biology in the radiopharmaceutical space, attending conferences and publishing papers 
• Manage and mentor a small team of scientists, fostering scientific excellence, cross-functional alignment, and timely execution of program-critical studies

Role Requirements: 

• PhD in Radiation Biology, Cancer Biology or related field, and 7-10 years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery or translational research
• Proven experience in managing and developing scientists within a cross-functional R&D environment
• Expertise in developing in vitro bioassays and drug screening platforms for monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates or small molecules
• Strong experience with general biochemical and cell-based methods, such as protein quantification, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, UV/VIS spectroscopy, IHC, clonogenic assays, 3D cultures, and imaging-based assays.
• Demonstrated ability to design, adapt, and troubleshoot new experimental methods in a dynamic research environment
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and with colleagues at all levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present scientific rationale, data

Fusion Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, if contacted for an interview, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.