Acerand Therapeutics Ltd is a biotech with a very seasoned team based in Shanghai and Indianapolis focusing on innovative small molecule drug discovery and development, with 2 leading assets at clinical stage. We are seeking a Director/Executive Director of Biology (based in Shanghai) to join us. If you have interest in this position and are determined to make life better for people, please send your CV and contact information to career@acerand.com.

Major Responsibilities including but not limited to:

• Lead biological research efforts to support oncology and/or metabolic disease drug discovery programs from target validation through candidate nomination:
• Design and execute robust in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate efficacy, mechanism of action, and biomarker response.
• Develop and optimize relevant cancer models (e.g., xenograft, syngeneic, orthotopic), organoid systems, or metabolic disease models (e.g., NASH, obesity, diabetes).
• Drive biological hypotheses and experimental strategies in collaboration with cross-functional project teams including medicinal chemistry, DMPK, Tox, and CADD.
• Interpret and present complex datasets; communicate scientific findings and project updates effectively across multidisciplinary teams and to senior leadership.
• Serve as biology representative or project lead from the perspective of timeline, budget and quality, ensuring biological strategies are aligned with program goals and timelines.
• Manage external collaborations and contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation, scientific publications, and regulatory documents.
• Play an active role in pipeline program Initiation of novel targets, enriching the discovery pipeline.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
• Strong expertise in experimental design, data interpretation, and biological problem-solving.
• Extensive hands-on experience with in vitro cellular systems and in vivo tumor or metabolic models.
• Proven track record in drug discovery, including contributions to lead optimization and candidate nomination.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed, collaborative R&D environment.
• Experience managing external partners, including CROs and academic collaborators.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, scientifically curious, and results-oriented.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior industry experience in early-stage oncology or metabolic drug discovery.
• Experience in pipeline program Initiation of novel targets.
• Familiarity with genetic tools (e.g., CRISPR, RNAi), single-cell omics, or high-content imaging.
• Experience with biomarker development, translational biology, or resistance mechanism studies.
• Track record of authorship in peer-reviewed journals or contribution to patents.
• Leadership in multi-site or global teams and ability to influence scientific strategy beyond the biology function.