Director of Pharmacology

Key Responsibilities l Rare Disease Translational Drug Research Center Development: Lead the design, establishment, and operation of the company’s Rare Disease Translational Drug Research Center (RDTDR) in Hong Kong, including defining research priorities, building technical platforms, and establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) aligned with global biotech standards. Oversee the integration of translational research capabilities (e.g., pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics [/PD] analysis, target validation, biomarker identification) to support preclinical-to-clinical translation, with a core focus on rare CNS therapies. l Early-Stage R&D Project Initiation & Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the US/UK team to evaluate and advance early-stage R&D projects, providing pharmacology expertise to guide target validation, preclinical study design, and project initiation decisions. Align with cross-functional teams (Medicinal Chemistry, Medical, Project Management) to design feasible pre-clinical/clinical strategies for new assets, ensuring scientific consistency and alignment with global development goals. l Hong Kong R&D Project Execution: Take end-to-end ownership of early-stage R&D projects implemented in Hong Kong, including managing project timelines, budgets, and resources to meet key milestones. Oversee preclinical pharmacology studies (in vitro/in vivo) and data analysis, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and scientific rigor. l Team Leadership & Ecosystem Building: Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of translational science professionals (to be expanded per company growth), fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Establish partnerships with Hong Kong/China academic institutions, academic research organizations, and contract research organizations (CROs) to enhance the company’s translational research capabilities and access to local scientific resources. l Scientific Strategy & Thought Leadership: Contribute to the development of the company’s long-term scientific strategy, identifying emerging trends and opportunities in CNS translational medicine. Represent the company at scientific conferences, workshops, and industry events to build brand visibility and foster collaborative relationships. Requirements & Qualifications l Education: Doctoral degree (PhD) in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Translational Medicine, or a related life science field. Postdoctoral research experience in CNS disorders is a strong plus. l Experience: Minimum 3 years of progressive R&D experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on CNS drug development (e.g., neuropharmacology, psychiatry, translational research). Experience in leading early-stage project teams or research platforms is preferred. l Technical Expertise: Deep expertise in CNS pharmacology, including target validation, /PD modeling, preclinical study design, and translational medicine principles. Familiarity with global regulatory expectations for preclinical CNS drug development and ICH guidelines. Proven track record of contributing to early-stage R&D project initiation and execution, with a demonstrated ability to bridge preclinical and clinical research. l Skills: Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, with experience managing research teams or cross-functional initiatives. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (mandatory); proficiency in Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin) is preferred for collaborating with local stakeholders. Exceptional project management, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills; able to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. Demonstrate familiarity with or a willingness to master AI-enabled tools (e.g., predictive /PD modeling software, AI-driven target validation platforms, biomarker discovery tools) to accelerate translational research and preclinical-to-clinical development.