Full Job Description
Franklin Biolabs, Inc. is in search of a Senior Director, Preclinical Ophthalmology will serve as a Study Director for GLP and non-GLP studies, and provide scientific leadership and management to the In Vivo Services team, ensuring the delivery of top-quality non-clinical services for clients with ophthalmic drug and gene therapy development programs.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Serves as overall lead for all preclinical ophthalmology studies and programs
- Serves as Study Director for GLP and non-GLP studies.
- Training of in vivo services team on preclinical ocular procedures
- Design, coordinate, and oversee in vivo ophthalmology studies in rodent and large animal models.
- Oversee ocular dosing procedures including intravitreal, subretinal, suprachoroidal, topical, and intracameral administration techniques.
- Interpret ophthalmic endpoints including slit lamp examinations, fundoscopy, OCT, ERG, fluorescein angiography, and histopathology findings.
- Responsible for study reports, including final study reports, contributing scientist reports, and documentation of in-life phase, etc.
- Observes in-life phase study procedures to ensure quality control (QC) and documentation in accordance with ALCOA (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, and Accurate).
- Drafts amendments, deviations, change controls, standard operating procedures (SOPs), processes, and procedures applicable to workflows.
- Works with Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure compliance with all regulated aspects of a GLP lab.
- Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for all onsite audits and inspections, and the responsible party for addressing requests and corrections from the auditor team
Education and Experience:
- Minimum of PhD, DVM, MS, or equivalent degree in Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Veterinary Sciences, or related discipline.
- 8-10 years of experience in preclinical ophthalmology research ( can include academic and industry experience)
- 3-5 years of direct experience as a Study Director in nonclinical studies, within Pharma, Biotech, and/or CRO.
- Experience managing studies performed under Good Laboratory Practices (21 CFR Part 58).
- Experience with Sponsor/client-facing communication responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Experience with small and large animal ocular studies.
- Familiarity with retinal imaging platforms and ophthalmic surgical equipment.
- Knowledge of regulatory expectations for ophthalmic IND-enabling studies.
- Ability to interpret slit lamp examinations, fundoscopy, OCT, ERG, fluorescein angiography, and histopathology findings.
- Knowledge of animal care and use and regulatory expectations.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and negotiate through conflicting situations.
- Self-directed individual with the ability to perform in a fast-paced environment with limited direction, competing priorities under tight deadlines.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to interact with team members, clients, vendors and other third parties.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals across various disciplines to ensure alignment.
- Ability to use digital communication tools (video conferencing, chat platforms etc.) to effectively collaborate with team members in hybrid and remote settings.
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance and agencies (USDA, OLAW, GLP, AAALAC). .
Travel:
- Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally up to 5% of the time, depending on the needs of the project, the client and the business.
- Ability to accommodate evening, overnight or weekend travel, including potential extended trips to attend training, meetings, conduct fieldwork, or meet with clients.
On-Site:
- This position requires full-time on-site presence at our Discovery Labs location in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Immunizations and Screenings:
- This position will require working with animals (e.g. Nonhuman Primates, Rabbits, Rats, Mice).
- This position requires access to lab and lab animal spaces.
Essential Status:
- Essential for Research: This position will be required to go on-site to perform their regular work functions related to continued research during periods of adjusted operations.
Vision:
- Ability to distinguish between different colors (normal color vision).
- Ability to see clearly at various distances, including adequate near vision for reading documents or lab equipment.
- Ability to focus and maintain concentration in tasks for extended periods, and work in environments with varying light conditions.
Company Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) Matching
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
- Paid Time-Off
- Company Paid Holidays
- Personal Floating Holidays
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Life and AD&D insurance (Group & Voluntary)