Senior Director Oncology
Location: Leuven
Job Type: Full-time
About Us: Onco3R is a dynamic and innovative biotech start-up company committed to transform patient’s lives with best-in-class medicines. We are looking for a seasoned cancer drug hunter and strategic leader to drive our discovery oncology activities from target validation to clinical testing.
Scope of the job
The Senior Director develops the scientific strategy and direction of our discovery oncology portfolio. You will oversee a team responsible for advancing large and small molecule discovery projects from target validation to clinical candidate identification.
The position requires strong leadership, deep scientific expertise in cancer drug discovery, and the ability to drive cross-functional collaborations across internal teams and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
Shape and execute the oncology discovery strategy aligned with corporate R&D goals
Build and advance a robust portfolio of innovative oncology programs from target identification to IND-enabling studies
Identify emerging scientific field and new therapeutic opportunities in precision oncology
Provide scientific leadership across multiple discovery programs, including target validation, assay development, in vivo/in vitro pharmacology
Guide translational research and biomarker strategy to support clinical development
Ensure scientific rigor and innovation
Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of scientists and research associates
Oversee project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure milestones are met
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning
Establish and manage strategic partnerships with CROs, academic collaborators, and biotech partners
Evaluate and integrate external technologies, platforms, and assets through collaborations or licensing
Represent the company at scientific conferences, advisory boards, and with key stakeholders
Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory standards, and safety protocols
Contribute to the development of SOPs and best practices for oncology discovery
Ensure a high-level scientific standard is maintained on all projects
Job requirements
Ph.D. with minimum 10 years of cancer drug discovery experience in pharmaceutical and/or Biotech industry
Seasoned cancer biologist with deep understanding of tumor biology, immunology, and targeted therapies
Proven track record of progressing oncology small molecule and antibody programs from early discovery stage to clinical candidate nomination
Strong leadership and team building-skills with previous management experience obtained within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry
Demonstrated ability to drive multiple projects within a matrix-based organization and through internal and external collaborations
Extensive experience in establishing and coordinating collaborations with KOLs, CROs and biotech companies to support/accelerate internal discovery programs
Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
Entrepreneur mindset and ability to adapt and prioritize activities to challenging deliverables
Able to bring new ideas and strong at enabling creative thinking
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Passionate about bringing new transformative medicines to patients
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Opportunity to work in a fast-paced and innovative environment.
Opportunity to help shape the growth of the company.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume to contact@onco3R.com