Associate Director or Director, GPCR Biology at Axsome Therapeutics Inc

San Diego, California, United States

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$180,000 – $240,000Compensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Biotechnology, PharmaceuticalsIndustries

Requirements

PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology or related field with 12+ years of relevant industry experience in small molecule discovery (Master’s Degree with 15+ years may be considered)
Demonstrated success leading cross functional project teams advancing programs from hit identification toward IND, with ownership of decision criteria and milestone delivery
Deep expertise in GPCR biology: signaling and trafficking mechanisms; assay formats (e.g., HTRF, reporter gene, BRET/FRET, imaging); and interpretation of complex pharmacology (e.g., allostery, bias, kinetics, receptor reserve, desensitization)
Experience designing, validating, and transferring assays to CROs/automation/HTS; familiarity with HTS methodologies and counterscreens
Proven ability to guide resolution of high impact technical issues across functions; track record of scientific creativity and rigorous data standards
Strong people management skills: mentoring scientists, performance management, and building inclusive, high trust teams
Excellent written and verbal communication; adept at executive level summaries and data driven recommendations
Able to work onsite at San Diego Headquarters in Sorrento Valley

Responsibilities

Define and own GPCR biology strategy across one or more programs
Lead through teams (internal and CRO), establishing best in class experimental strategies, data quality standards, and decision frameworks
Serve as biology thought partner to program leadership; influence portfolio planning and resourcing
Partner with computational and ML scientists to incorporate AI/ML-based tools and models that accelerate data interpretation, hypothesis generation, and decision-making across biology workflows
Program leadership: Initiate, direct, and execute biology plans that support medicinal chemistry and translational goals across discovery stages (hit to lead, LO, candidate selection, IND enabling)
Cross functional integration: Chair or co-lead cross functional workstreams; align assay strategy with SAR hypotheses, DMPK/PD needs, and safety/translational biomarkers
Collaboration leadership: Lead or co-lead key scientific collaborations with internal and external partners, driving integration of data and strategy toward shared objectives
Assay strategy & data integrity: Conceptualize and oversee design/validation of in vitro and ex vivo assays (signaling, binding, trafficking, imaging, and mechanism of action) enabling robust potency, selectivity, and efficacy assessments. Establish acceptance criteria, controls, and QC/QA standards
External execution: Manage and mentor CRO/partners; scope statements of work, timelines, budgets, and deliverables. Ensure reproducibility and compliance with internal SOPs and GLP adjacent expectations where appropriate
People leadership & development: Manage and grow a team of scientists/associates; set goals, provide feedback, and develop talent
Decision making: Drive stage gate criteria, risk registers, and mitigation plans; author/own decision memos and present to governance/leadership

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

GPCR BiologyDrug DiscoveryAssay DevelopmentIn Vitro AssaysEx Vivo AssaysSignaling AssaysBinding AssaysTrafficking AssaysImaging AssaysMedicinal ChemistryDMPKSafety AssessmentAI/MLHit IdentificationLead OptimizationIND Enabling

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range is $180K - $240K.

Is this role remote or onsite?

This is an onsite position located at the San Diego Headquarters.

What qualifications and experience are required?

A PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology or related field with 12+ years of relevant industry experience in small molecule discovery is required, or a Master’s Degree with 15+ years of experience may be considered. Demonstrated success leading cross-functional project teams advancing programs from hit identification toward IND is essential.

What leadership responsibilities does this role involve?

The role includes leading project teams, managing and growing a team of scientists/associates, overseeing CRO/partners, and providing people leadership and development.

What makes a strong candidate for this position?

A strong candidate has a PhD with 12+ years of industry experience in small molecule discovery, proven success leading cross-functional teams from hit identification to IND, and expertise in GPCR biology strategy, assay design, and AI/ML integration.

Axsome Therapeutics Inc

Develops therapies for CNS disorders

About Axsome Therapeutics Inc

Axsome Therapeutics develops therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, focusing on conditions like major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and Alzheimer's agitation. Their main product, AXS-05, is an oral medication that works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which helps regulate mood. This drug has shown positive results in clinical trials and has received special FDA status to speed up its approval process. Unlike many competitors, Axsome emphasizes addressing unmet medical needs in CNS disorders and aims to improve patient outcomes through rigorous research and development. The company's goal is to bring effective treatments to market, enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters

2012Year Founded

$430.7MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Biotechnology, HealthcareIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

Performance Bonus

Company Equity

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Compass Pathways in the CNS market.

Potential delays in AXS-07 launch amid growing market anticipation.

Departure of key personnel like Lori Englebert may impact strategic direction.

Differentiation

Axsome focuses on CNS disorders with limited current treatment options.

AXS-05, an NMDA receptor antagonist, targets major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.

Axsome's balanced portfolio includes both clinical and research stage products.

Upsides

FDA's fast-tracking of CNS treatments could expedite Axsome's drug approvals.

Increased investment in CNS R&D drives innovation, benefiting Axsome's pipeline.

Growing personalized medicine trend offers Axsome opportunities for tailored therapies.

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