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Vice President, Translational Science Lead 

The Translational Science Lead (TSL) is a key figure for advancing the oncology portfolio. The TSL creates significant impact through the successful progression of global development programs and pipeline expansion, from early target assessment through life cycle management. The TSL sets the vision and strategic direction of assigned programs and is responsible for state-of-the-art precision medicine, including all aspects of patient segmentation and proof of mechanism for product differentiation from pre-D1 through registration including companion diagnostics strategies as appropriate.

The TSL builds an end-to-end Translation strategy and is responsible for its successful execution for all development programs on behalf of Translational Sciences Oncology, providing translational science leadership for one or more global development programs with full decision-making authority in his/her sphere of influence.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of the Translational Science Lead are to:

• Responsible for the integrated translational sciences strategy delivered to the IPT, strategically directing the global, integrated, translational sciences activities by providing relevant expertise and leadership in precision medicine both professionally and scientifically. As such, the TSL ensures consistent high quality and speed of Translational Science deliverables to drive sustained value creation for patients and the business and ensures an “end-to-end” translational vision and strategy for the respective asset(s). The TSL pushes the boundaries of seamless translation to provide the right data at the right time, accelerating and improving decision making, while continuously implementing a patient-centric perspective;
• Responsible for developing translational strategies from pre-clinical stages, bringing new agents to the clinic starting with Target validation/pre-D1. Ensures critical input and continued support of preclinical projects with TS expertise including designing companion diagnostics meeting various HA requirements, taking local requirements (e.g., CHGRAO) in account;
• Ensure an innovative, cutting-edge global translational science portfolio (from early to late development/life cycle management) by developing a patient-centric vision, setting up and steering strategic partnerships with technology providers and key opinion leaders. May be a member of joint coordination committees/steering committees/advisory boards to maximize value for the Bayer oncology portfolio;
• Accountable for the timely delivery of TS milestones, mitigates roadblocks and is empowered to take decisions to effectively execute on the translational strategy;
• Guides and extensively contributes to the preclinical evaluation and validation of new oncology assets in line with the overarching RED ONC strategy focusing on value, differentiation, and unmet medical need (e.g., through interacting with BD&L, LEAPS, Collaboration to Cure Hubs, CoLab incubator);
• In alignment with the overall oncology strategy and Precision Medicine community, identifies new opportunities for collaboration and manages excellent relationships with new and existing partners, both within as well as outside of Bayer, to drive Translation Science excellence;
• Lead and drive TSO-initiated (cross-)functional strategic initiatives in support of the overall TSO, RED-ONC, Oncology and/or Bayer strategy; can act as a representative of TSO in other cross-functional activities and workstreams where required. When required, can deputize for the Head of TSO and act as TSO representative in Bayer internal governance bodies;
• Independently leads self-empowered matrix teams in-line with Bayer’s VACC leadership standards by enabling, empowering, and supporting colleagues in a high-performance environment under a culture of psychological safety. As such, the TSL takes accountability for the respective team outcomes and promotes a creative and innovation-friendly collaboration between clinicians and scientists;
• Takes ownership of the entire TSO team, fosters a culture of ownership in support of the strategy and in line with Bayer’s values; empowers others and drives peer accountability across portfolio deliverables and beyond;
• Evolves TSO’s unique value contribution and thereby drives the development of a productive and fulfilled workforce by embracing a culture of creativity and innovation, while ensuring that capabilities are available and actively evolving.

WHO YOU ARE

Your success will be driven by your demonstration of our life values, more specifically related to this position, Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• MD and/or PhD in Biochemistry, molecular Biology, Genetics or equivalent ;
• Scientific excellence: Demonstrated by a track record of relevant basic and/or translational research documented in peer reviewed publications;
• Outstanding drug development expertise:
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate innovation to advance Precision Medicine in Oncology
  • Demonstrated Network of KOLs and relevant external companies
  • Relevant global health authority interactions for both drug and device divisions, current knowledge of regulatory review and responses
  • Understanding of scientific, commercial, ethical and legal aspects of the field; 
• Sets the right priorities, seizes strategic opportunities, and adheres to high standards;
• Shows excellent communication and leadership skills, coupled with strategic thinking and foresight as well as outstanding business and external trends insights;
• Focuses on outcomes – independently defines and proactively delivers on highest and aspirational pipeline, team, talent and organizational impact outcomes;
• Acts, learns fast and evolves: works in 90-days cycles, applies learnings very fast and continually develops;
• Co-creates for customers: remains close to the customer - envisions, proactively conceptualizes and co-creates solutions for their needs;
• High energy with focus and vision; self-motivated with a high sense of ownership, urgency, proactive and solution-oriented, flexible entrepreneurial and open-minded approach to new and creative ideas.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• 10+ years of industry experience in the field of biomarkers/precision medicine with proven track record of successful leadership in this field.