Director, RNA Biology

ProQR Therapeutics is a biotechnology company listed on NASDAQ with offices in Leiden, the Netherlands and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. ProQR is focused on the development of life changing RNA therapies to meet the unmet need of individuals and families with common and rare diseases. A team of 150+ enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is up to this challenge. We have the passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Our proprietary Axiomer® RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cells own editing machinery. Axiomer® RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA), which is machinery present in all human cells to repair G-to-A mutations, modulate protein, and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases.

Our Axiomer Unit is currently looking for a Director, RNA Biology, to join our team.

As a ProQR Director, RNA Biology you will use your expertise to develop the strategy to characterize the intracellular interactions of editing oligonucleotides on RNA processing mechanisms, and further investigate their downstream effects. Additionally, you will provide input based on your expertise on the development and prioritization of future research projects. To succeed in this role, you need to be a strong and proactive scientific thinker who is also able to communicate ideas/needs effectively to relevant parties with different scientific backgrounds. You should also have extensive experience in developing and/or evaluating novel nucleic acid-based therapeutics and delivery platforms.

How you will contribute:

• Ideate, develop and oversee (novel) scientific projects to understand the localization, modulation and effects of base editing on various intracellular mechanisms.
• Lead project team that investigates biological aspects of ProQR in-house platform, which are key to developing effective RNA-based therapeutic strategies.
• Collaborate closely with R&D teams (but not limited to) to ensure seamless integration and alignment of research efforts, driving innovation and efficiency in drug development.
• Proactively identify complex biological challenges and ways to progress by conducting thorough risk assessments.
• Lead identification and implementation of innovative solutions using a diverse set of resources including advanced data analytics, cross-functional collaboration and the latest scientific advancements.
• Develop and determine optimal approaches for new assignments by conducting comprehensive literature reviews, pilot studies, and stakeholder consultations.
• Make strategic recommendations on projects based on data-driven insights, feasibility analyses, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Effectively manage a wide variety of assignments by prioritizing workloads and optimizing project task allocation to deliver high-quality results while maintaining rigorous quality control standards, and continuously improving processes.
• Identify key scientific collaborations with both academic and business partners and drive scientific engagement.
• Be a scientific mentor.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and leadership.

We expect our Director, RNA Biology to have:

• PhD degree in Molecular Biology or another relevant field, a post-graduate experience of minimum 3 years followed by at least 10 years of relevant work experience in Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Industry, preferably on RNA processing, trafficking, and/or intracellular oligonucleotide interactions.
• Experience in the field of RNA editing, with preferably A-to-I editing by ADARs
• Extensive knowledge, experience and understanding of regulatory network of RNA processing, maturation and turnover, and their complexity
• Experience in RNA modulation mediated by oligonucleotide and/or base editing therapeutics and delivery technologies is strongly preferred
• Experience with working in a project-based environment with multidisciplinary teams
• A proven track record of initiating and leading R&D projects

• Experience in supervising/mentoring project teams

• Proven ability to effectively interact with technical, scientific staff and research management

• Solid understanding of in silico and computational approaches in drug development
• A very good understanding of business values and project management
• The ability to work in a highly dynamic organization

Skills and competencies that are required to make a difference:

• Pro-active and pragmatic self-starter, with a result-oriented mindset
• Strong project planning and management skills
• Critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills (English)
• Flexible attitude toward change
• Team player
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• A nice person 😊

ProQR as an employer

As an employer, we are a true believer of the value of a workforce in which people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop themselves, personally and professionally. We believe that happy and energized people, working well together in an environment in which they thrive, will do phenomenal and awesome things.

We are committed to ensure that no employee, candidate or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and the contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.

We offer an exciting and innovative working environment in a very committed organization, with the following benefits:

• 8% holiday allowance
• 30 vacation days
• An annual performance bonus
• Stock options
• A premium-free pension plan
• A commuting allowance
• A subsidized staff restaurant
• Unlimited (un)healthy snacks and drinks
• Employee events (boot camp, Rebel Café and other social events)

Do you think you can contribute to achieving our mission? If so, we’re looking forward to receiving your application by filling out our application form.

You can contact Silvia Catellani via recruitment@proqr.com if you have any questions