(Associate) Director Operations

Background
Citryll is a young and dynamic clinical stage therapeutic biotech company, located at the Pivot Park in Oss, The Netherlands. Citryll is taking a new approach to treat immune mediated inflammatory diseases including autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), as well as severe skin and lung conditions. Citryll’s lead therapeutic CIT-013 specifically extinguishes the source of proinflammatory components, organ damaging components and autoantigens instead of broadly suppressing the acquired chronic inflammation.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), are part of the innate immune defense mechanisms but become pathogenic when their release is abundant and uncontrolled. Citryll’s lead anti-citrullinated histone antibody (ACHA) CIT-013 binds to N-terminal citrullinated epitopes on
histones present in NETs, blocks NET formation, and promotes clearance of preformed NETs in tissues, all downstream of the protein citrullination pathway mediated by PAD enzymes. Inhibition of NET formation and accelerating clearance of preformed NETs reduces the exposure of autoantigens and toxic histones to the extracellular environment, leading to a decrease of proinflammatory mediators and protection of endothelial lining and organ tissue.

CIT-013 is a human antibody and is currently being tested in the clinic for safety & tolerability, PK and PD and the first clinical data have been evaluated. The next step in development will be the start of proof-of-concept phase 2a clinical studies.

In Oss, the birthplace of many blockbuster drugs including the most successful PD1 antagonist antibody, we conduct various R&D elements of the CIT-013 program. This includes mechanism of action studies, research on new therapeutic use, bioanalytical assay development, clinical
sample testing and pharmacological studies on patient neutrophils and whole blood.

Summary
The (Associate) Director Operations will provide cross-functional support for the operation of key business functions. The (Associate) Director Operations is expected to work closely with the COO and key disciplines within the organization (e.g. financial, clinical, research, business development, Quality Management System).

Key Responsibilities
(Associate) Director Operations responsibilities include:

  • Process improvements and operational excellence within the organization, including supporting Quality management system activities, standardizing workflow, information management systems and project management
  • In concert with legal counsel and R&D stakeholders, organize and review agreements (e.g. Non Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, contracts, consulting agreements)
  • Public relations in partnership with CEO and COO by updating website, press release strategy, and setting up conference meetings
  • Operational business development and fundraising support with CEO and COO (e.g. preparing materials, coordinating follow-up, dataroom management)
  • Central point of contact for IT service providers incl Data Protection Officer
  • Support COO with budgeting and financial reporting
  • Support housing activities, such as renting labs and offices and adaptations
  • Support and structure HR activities (organizational development, updating personnel files)

 

Competencies, qualifications and skills
The candidate ideally fits the following requirements:

  • Academic degree: Minimum MSc with affinity for the life sciences
    • MBA or finance degree is a plus
  •  >5 years working experience, preferably in the life sciences sector
  • Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset
  • Excellent communicator, orally and in writing in English
  • Based in the Netherlands, hybrid working possible

 

Interested?
Please send your CV and a short motivation letter to Sjoerd van Gorp (info@citryll.com). Also, you can use this email address for informal enquiries about this vacancy before applying.

Please Note: Your personal information including your email address and CV will be kept on file during the hiring procedure but will be permanently deleted from our systems at the latest after 2 months of receiving it.

We will not consider recruitment agencies, please refrain from contacting us through email, phone, WhatsApp or LinkedIn or any other means. 

Pivot Park Captains' Dinner

10 years ago, Pivot Park opened its doors to the world. Thanks to your commitment, support and confidence, we have been able to grow it into the successful and innovative biopharmaceutical campus it is today.

Now it’s time to celebrate!

We are therefore delighted to invite you – along with all your fellow CEOs at Pivot Park – to a special night out featuring inspiring art, a wonderful dinner and lots of opportunities to network and exchange ideas.

Erwin Wurm | Am I a House?

For the first time, the artist shows a cross-section of his work, from Narrow Furniture to One Minute Sculptures, within the walls of a historic building. Villa Constance, a former home that today houses Museum Jan Cunen, is not only a location but also part of the conversation. Because what exactly is a house?

#100YEARSPHARMAFUTURE

The development of medicines in Oss began one hundred years ago. It was then that the foundations were laid for what would become a flourishing pharmaceutical sector in the Netherlands, leading to groundbreaking discoveries such as insulin and the anti-conception pill.

Today, the entire chain is still represented in Oss, from early-stage research to the commercial scale production of medicines. Working in Oss, we focus on the health of people all over the world. Employees at dozens of companies large and small put their heart and soul into new medicines, products and services that will improve lives worldwide. Together, our strength lies in our combination of broad knowledge about the development of medicines and a thorough understanding of the requirements of high-quality production.

This shared past and common values stimulate strong bonds among everyone who works in pharmaceuticals in Oss. We build on qualities, expertise and networks that go back decades. And with a wide variety of pharmaceutical companies, suppliers and scientific institutions all located nearby, we offer an attractive business climate and an excellent basis for international collaboration.

We are proud to work together to create a better and healthier future for all, a collaboration that in turn fuels growing employment: today, most pharmaceutical jobs in the Netherlands are in Oss. Here we connect talent and companies and stimulate entrepreneurship, while our expert employees are our most important asset. Their drive ensures that Oss has an influence on health all over the world.

Pharma in Oss offers endless opportunities to startups and talent in a city and region that is a joy to live and work in. We are committed to collaboration and sustainable and successful entrepreneurship. Oss’s pharmaceutical companies are intrinsically competitive while also being committed to quality and safety. This, plus their focus on new health solutions and contemporary technology, makes us a leader in our pursuit of a better life for people worldwide.