Project manager position in lipid-related metabolic and cardiovascular diseases

Description of the company
Lifesearch is a biotechnology company created in 2011 and developing R&D projects in collaboration with leading research organizations (INSERM, CNRS, CEA). In this project, the researcher recruited by Lifesearch will work in collaboration with the Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC, INSERM UMR1048- Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France), and the team of Dr. Laurent Martinez.
 
Context
Atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases still remain the largest cause of mortality worldwide. Furthermore, in parallel with the increasing epidemic of obesity and diabetes, liver diseases, like the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), have progressively become a serious health concern.

HDL is the primary mediator of the Reverse Cholesterol Transport, a pathway by which excess cholesterol is removed from atherosclerotic plaque and is transported to the liver for subsequent biliary and fecal excretion either as free cholesterol or after transformation into bile acids (BA). In this context, improving HDL-mediated biliary lipid excretion is expected to decrease vascular and hepatic lipid deposition. This open up new therapeutic perspectives for the development of therapies against atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis.

Lifesearch has developed a new class of molecules improving HDL functional state with their beneficial properties for cardiovascular and metabolic health. The objective is to achieve a preclinical proof of concept, which will look forward to clinical trials.
 
Task and responsibilities
The applicant will lead pre-clinical evaluations of this new class of molecules. He/she will interact with the core project team composed of 3 experienced researchers whose work will aim to evaluate compounds efficacy on appropriate pre-clinical models. He/she will also select and interact with CRO organizations and academic platforms to conduct studies related to pharmacology and toxicology, lead optimization and theranostic biomarkers. This will include quotation and ordering process, sample management, follow-up, data interpretation and reporting. He/she is expected to build up a national and international network (including academics, CRO, clinical investigators…) to access most critical tools (ex: samples, animal models) and enable timely execution of the project. He/she will prepare and facilitate the transition of the project to clinical development.
 
Entry requirement
The candidate should have a PhD and experience of working with drug development companies. He/she should know about critical issues in drug discovery and development. He/she ideally should have broad knowledge in the fields of vascular biology (such as atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction), lipid metabolism and disorders (particularly dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis), biochemistry and pharmacology. He/she should have a good knowledge of the statistical and bioinformatic tools. English language skills are required. Additional experience with human samples and biobanks should be considered a plus. He/she should know how to consider the impact of pre-clinical results on the wider drug development process, including potential complications, and have a good understanding of current and future needs. The scientific breadth of the employment requires communication skills and ability to work in networks of researchers. The applicant must be organized, thorough, proactive, flexible and fast at problem solving.
 
Position
The candidate can start as soon as January 1st, 2018. Salary is highly attractive and will depend on the candidate’s experience.

Salary is highly attractive and will depend on the candidate’s experience.

The candidate should have a PhD and experience of working with drug development companies. He/she should know about critical issues in drug discovery and development.

Applicants should submit a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae including a full list of publications and at least two references to nsioufi@lifesearch.fr and laurent.martinez@inserm.fr. Submissions should include the mailing label “LS-PMCVD”.