Preclinical Disease Area Lead

Business Area: R&D, Pharmacovigilance & Regulatory Affairs

Job Type: Direct Employee

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Parma, IT

About us

Based in Parma, Italy, Chiesi is an international research-focused pharmaceutical and healthcare group with 90 years’ experience, operating in 31 countries with more than 7,000 employees (Chiesi Group). The Group researches, develops and markets innovative drugs in its main therapeutic areas. We are proud to be the largest global pharmaceutical group awarded B Corp Certification , a recognition of high social and environmental standards . Our company promotes a transparent and ethical behavior at all levels and values a diverse, inclusive culture.

Purpose

The successful candidate will lead and contribute to the preclinical research and development of innovative therapies for the treatment of chronic pulmonary diseases. This role requires a deep understanding of disease mechanisms, preclinical models and translational research, and will lead a team performing in vitro and ex vivo pharmacological research focused on drug screening, target identification and validation.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and manage preclinical research activities focused on chronic respiratory diseases, ensuring high quality R&D outputs.
• Drive functional performance by leading scientists of the In Vitro Pharmacology Unit in designing and deploying cellular and ex‑vivo assays, analyzing pharmacological results to support the drug discovery pipeline.
• Provide scientific and strategic direction for the unit, aligning its goals with broader organizational objectives.
• Supervise and mentor a team of scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Leverage external CRO capabilities to integrate internal and external expertise, establishing an efficient operational framework and balancing short‑term and long‑term perspectives.
• Collaborate extensively within cross‑functional research teams in a matrix format to advance discovery programs.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest scientific advancements and contribute to research strategy development.
• Prepare and review scientific publications, patents, and regulatory documents.
• Manage lab budgets, resources and equipment to optimize efficiency and productivity.

Experience Required

• Extensive experience in respiratory preclinical research, particularly pulmonary fibrosis, in a pharma company.
• Experience in drug discovery and development.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for preclinical studies.
• Experience in mentoring and training junior scientists.

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., pharmacology, biology, biochemistry) with a focus on pulmonary diseases.

Languages

Not specified.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of disease mechanisms, preclinical models and translational research.
• Proven track record of scientific publications and presentations.

Soft Skills

• Analytical skills
• Problem solving

What we offer

You would join a dynamic, fast‑growing, challenging and friendly environment. We believe our people are our most valuable asset and invest in continuous training, learning and development. We aim to create a supportive workplace with a healthy work‑life balance, offering flexible working approaches, remote working, relocation support and a range of people‑care services.

#J-18808-Ljbffr