Principal Scientist - Oncology Discovery - Mechelen, BE

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We are in the business of changing lives. Focusing on high unmet medical needs, we synergize compelling science, technology, and collaborative approaches to create a deep pipeline of best-in-class small molecules, CAR-T therapies and biologics in oncology and immunology. With capabilities from lab to patient, including a decentralized, point-of-care CAR-T manufacturing network, we are committed to challenging the status quo and delivering results for our patients, employees and shareholders.

We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you : The ‘make-it-happener’.

We are looking for Principal Scientist - Oncology Discovery

This is a highly interesting opportunity for an experienced cancer scientist to drive oncology projects from target validation to clinical candidate nomination.

Scope of the job

From developing new strategies to running actual projects, all our goals and actions are measured against a strong patient-centric approach. The Principal Scientist nurtures this mindset and drives an oncology drug discovery project from target validation to clinical candidate identification. Our ultimate goal is to discover and deliver transformative precision medicines to cancer patients. The nature of the work is explorative and vibrant, and we closely collaborate with a large variety of external and internal stakeholders.

Your role

• You are responsible for validating new oncology targets and progressing projects from concept to clinical testing
• You lead a small team of 1-2 in vitro biologists
• Lead and liaise with multi-disciplinary activities (Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacology, ADME/PK/Tox…) to drive drug discovery projects forward
• Guide experimental roadmap to support quick Go/No Go decisions in drug discovery projects
• Generate robust data package to support the entry of new targets in Oncology discovery portfolio
• Identify, develop, and implement cellular assay cascades to support the initiation and advancement of projects
• Provide experimental and scientific leadership to the team
• Foster innovation in the team and contribute to new targets/approaches & ideas
• Present at Senior Leadership Meetings
• Engage key opinion leaders and set-up external collaborations with academic institutions and external CROs
• Supervise and develop the activities of the team: prioritize work and optimize resources to ensure efficient and high-quality execution of the Therapeutic Area goals
• Serve as a cancer biology expert in the team and the Therapeutic Area
• Ensure a high-level scientific standard is maintained on all projects
• Ensure smooth communication and interactions with the other teams and all stakeholders

This position reports to a Team Leader Oncology Discovery

Who are you ?

• Ph.D. and preferably, a post-doctoral experience in Cancer Research with ~4 years of drug discovery experience in Biotech/Pharma
• Familiar with small molecule drug discovery (targeted or immuno-oncology therapies)

• Previous experience in managing or supervising lab scientists is required

• Strong understanding of cancer biology and drug discovery landscape is a must

• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple drug discovery projects and external collaborations

• Independent scientist with the ability to adapt and prioritize activities to challenging deliverables

• Creative and able to bring new ideas

• Good communication and presentation skills

• Passionate about bringing new transformative medicines to cancer patients

What’s in it for you ?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

We are Galapagos : together we can make it happen…!