bluebird bio is developing potentially transformative, one-time gene therapies for severe genetic and orphan diseases. At the heart of bluebird bio’s product creation efforts is its broadly applicable gene therapy platform for the development of new treatments for diseases with few or no clinical options. bluebird bio has two clinical stage product candidates in development, one for childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD) and one for beta-thalassemia major/sickle cell disease, and an early stage oncology program in partnership with Celgene.

Join bluebird bio’s enthusiastic and collaborative team by contributing to the overall success of our novel gene therapy approach. In this new role, the successful candidate will create the vision, build and lead our new initiative in creating novel cellular immunotherapy products at bluebird bio. The scope of this initiative will encompass cellular immunology and tumor biology to enable a pipeline of novel immunotherapy products. Our goal is engineering cells of the hematopoietic system to more effectively treat malignant and autoimmune disease. The position demands an experienced scientific leader who can make informed risk/benefit decisions as to target identification and preclinical candidate development. In addition, the candidate will provide a sophisticated level of coordination with bluebird’s core functions by leading a multi-disciplinary cellular immunotherapy project team.  The candidate will have direct responsibility to recruit a team of 8 to 10 staff who are experts in T cell biology and tumor biology.

Primary responsibilities

• Communicate to Management and the Board of Directors a clear strategic direction and realistic operational plan, including the timeline, personnel requirements and internal and external program costs for development of product candidates from concept to IND initiation.
• Build and lead a team of 8 – 10 talented scientists to identify therapeutic target molecules and engineer cells of the hematopoietic system with the goal of bringing these modified cells through phase I clinical development.
• Oversee the development of relevant in vitro assays to assess function, as well as vivo animal models for efficacy and safety      evaluation.
• Build reputation for bluebird bio as a world-class development organization for cellular immunotherapy products.

• Identify and bring in new technology to improve the therapeutic potential of gene- modified hematopoietic cells for cellular      immunotherapy.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cellular or molecular immunology, or MD with training in oncology or autoimmune disorders. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience with at least 10 years of management experience and track record of innovative laboratory research.
• The candidate must be a recognized academic or industry leader in cellular/ molecular immunology and have substantial experience with development of biological, vaccine or gene/cell therapy products.
• If from industry, at least 15 years’ experience in biotechnology/biopharmaceutical discovery and drug development with a track record of successfully moving first-in-class compounds from discovery through phase II.
• If from an academic environment, Associate Professor or equivalent level with strong track record of publication in top-tier      journals and demonstrated success in obtaining grant funding through NIH and private foundations. In addition, the ideal candidate demonstrates a track record for running a laboratory at a major academic institution supervising multiple postdocs and graduate students.
• The candidate will be recognized as an emerging thought leader evidenced by a strong track record of publication and invited presentations.
• Experience developing and managing operational budgets.
• Track record of leading developing high performance individuals/teams that have/ has gone on to become leaders in industry/academic research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment where results are achieved through influence and the incorporation of multiple points of view.
• Independently motivated, detail oriented and good problem solving ability.
• Excellent organizational skills, sufficient to multi-task in an extremely fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Should be highly motivated, flexible, and have excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Be ready to embrace the principles of the bluebird bio culture:  b colorful, b cooperative, b yourself.

bluebird bio, 840 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139 www.bluebirdbio.com