Research Section Head for Neurogenomics

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At Roche, we believe it is urgent to deliver medical solutions now – even as we develop innovations for the future. We are passionate about improving the lives of patients with brain diseases, and strive for ambitious ideas, innovative approaches and urgent action. Our belief is that our success as a company will come from developing therapies for patients in need, which is why we come to work every single day. We commit ourselves to scientific rigor, unassailable ethics, and access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow.Within Roche’s Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience & Rare Diseases represents a major focus area where we are committed to realizing our long-term vision of changing lives of patients with severe brain disorders. Our preclinical research and early clinical development activities center around large and rare indications within the four major pillars of neurodevelopmental disorders, movement disorders, dementias, and multiple sclerosis. With unparalleled strengths across diverse disciplines, Roche is uniquely positioned to lead in transforming science to medicines for patients with disorders of the nervous system.To achieve our goals, Roche pRED Neuroscience & Rare Diseases is currently undergoing a major and exciting recruitment effort for a large number of new positions including Head of Section of Neurogenomics within the Department of Research. All positions are based in Basel, Switzerland. The positionWe are seeking an outstanding, creative, experienced and enthusiastic leader to Head the Neurogenomics Section within the Department of Research in Neuroscience & Rare Disease (NRD) at Roche. The focus of the Neurogenomics Section Head is to develop and lead cutting edge therapeutic strategies for diseases of the brain, both ranging from rare monogenic diseases to genetically defined subpopulations of prevalent disorders of the brain. The successful candidate will join an industry-leading Neuroscience & Rare Diseases organization with a rich portfolio of preclinical and clinical stage projects. The senior leader will take advantage of the increasing understanding of the genes that underlie or contribute to diseases of the brain as well as fill the pipeline with novel and high value drug targets. The leader will be the key driver of deep internal investments in neurogenomics, and ensure coordination of both internal and external efforts in the neurogenomics disease space.Your main responsibilitiesManage a portfolio of preclinical projects aimed at developing new therapies for genetic diseases of the brain and to ensure the timely progression to milestones leading to entry into human studiesLead and coordinate the activity of 4 laboratories within the Neurogenomics SectionOversee research on mechanisms into genetic drivers of brain diseases, encompassing cellular and in vivo models with an emphasis on verification using evidence from biological data in humansPioneer exploration into novel disease mechanisms that may have broad implications across disease statesOversee program growth of research in genetics, epigenomics, transcriptional regulation and functional genomics Support & mentor research project leaders in questions related to project strategy, in particular on questions of strategic fit, scientific rationale, competitive fit and feasibilityContribute to the development of a sustainable NRD strategy as a member of the senior management Research leadership teamRepresent Neurogenomics research to key internal and external stakeholdersServe as a visionary leader committed to bringing novel medicines to patients in needBe accountable for the establishment of project strategies from target idea throughout research and early development phasesServe as key contact-person across NRD for cross-functional and cross-divisional neurogenomics research activities. Be a catalyst for cross-departmental scientific exchange and portfolio supportManage a diverse team of ~20 members including scientists, research associates, postdocs, and studentsWrite proposals and generating presentations for project teams, target assessment, and leadership meetingsPerform duties of a Roche Project Leader (RPL), which include coordinating regular meetings, updating the team on progress, making deadlines, and thinking strategically to advance projects into the clinicPrepare manuscripts for publication and present work at scientific meetingsEstablish collaborations with experts in the field to inform drug discovery decisions, and/or collect critical proof of concept evidence for drug efficacyInteract frequently with the other section heads and with the head of ResearchWho you areYou have a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD with postdoctoral training in any area of relevant biology or neuroscience with a strong track record of accomplishments characterizing genetic diseases of the brain with proven elements of neuroscience drug discovery.You have at least 8 years of experience leading a scientific research team in an academic or industry setting including leading projects, research teams and serving as a mentor and at least 5 years work experience in leading drug discovery teams in the area of interest. You have deep area expertise in relevant biological areas including:Mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in the nervous system including genome architecture, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, DNA modifications, and RNA-mediated regulation of the genome GWAS and transcriptional (single-cell) analysisSynthetic and inducible promoter systems for gene therapy transgenes, In vitro and in vivo systems that will serve as a means to validate putative new targets CRISPR, siRNA, and cDNA genome-wide screeningYou have an in-depth know-how in the early R&D phases of drug discovery and a deep understanding of the requirements for projects to progress through target assessment, lead identification and lead optimization to candidate selection in a multidisciplinary environment from inception to clinical developmentYou can think and lead strategically: articulate long term objectives and strategies; maintain focus on a long term-strategy while successfully adapting to changing and uncertain environmental conditions, and demonstrated ability to lead the team by leadership commitmentsYou have a track record in leadership, ideally leading in a matrix organization with proven ability to generate results and align organizational resources to accomplish strategic objectivesYou have excellent communication skills in English and are able to articulate complex concepts at all levels of the organization, encourage direct and open discussions; seek common ground in an effort to resolve conflicts.Are you ready to apply? Roche embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building teams that represent a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. If you still have questions then please check our FAQs and videos on careers.roche.ch/faq.Roche is an equal opportunity employer.Research & Development, Research & Development ( Research

Full time