BACKGROUND

Human Genome Sciences (HGS) was founded in 1992 with the goal of creating a global biopharmaceutical company to discover, develop, manufacture, and market gene-based drugs to address unmet medical needs. We have a significant product pipeline with seven products in clinical development, including drugs to treat hepatitis C, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, anthrax exposure, and cancer. In recent years, we have progressed towards commercialization, and we currently have three of our key development programs in Phase 3 trials.

HGS is developing an innovative new treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which would be the first new treatment for lupus in nearly 40 years. This product, belimumab, is being co-developed and commercialized with Glaxo SmithKline. We are also developing a long-acting interferon alpha, Albuferon, for Hepatitis C, along with Novartis. HGS has also been awarded a two-phase contract with US government to supply them with ABthrax, a monoclonal antibody treatment for anthrax, for the Strategic National Stockpile, which we expect to deliver in 2008.

HGS has a strong commitment to developing additional therapies in the oncology and immunology disease areas. To that end, HGS is searching for a highly motivated and creative individual to join a multidisciplinary discovery team to lead our bioinformatics efforts. This position will be critical in supporting the company's efforts to develop and characterize new antibodies in the immunology and oncology therapeutic areas. You will be ultimately responsible for all of HGS bioinformatics efforts, utilizing technical support from the centralized IT and research group teams. You will formulate bioinformatics strategies to support research through utilization of existing databases, LIMS, and adding pharmacogenomics capabilities. You will also implement these strategies and be an integral part of the pipeline development activities.

This is an exciting, ground floor opportunity to work with first class scientific professionals in developing HGS¡¦ next generation of products. If you have a passion for innovation and are equally comfortable in developing strategies and doing hands on work within a team environment, then this is the perfect position for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

„XWork with research and IT team to develop bioinformatics strategies to support characterization efforts
„XCreate, maintain and leverage specialized databases
„XDevelop novel methods to search, correlate, and visualize the data contained proprietary databases
„XDevelop novel computational methods to help support HGS functional genomics/pharmacogenomics program
„XDevelop software to support data capture and analysis from HGS research departments
„XDevelop custom scripts for data analysis
„XApplication of statistical methods and algorithm development to data sets

REQUIREMENTS

„XPh.D. in a biological science with additional computational/mathematical experience or Ph.D. in computer science with additional biological (preferably laboratory) experience
„XA minimum of 5 years with a biopharmaceutical or biotech company in a bioinformatics/computational biology role
„XSolid foundation and understanding of biology
„XAbility to work independently and deal with ambiguity
„XAbility to work both strategically and have excellent implementation skills
„XWorking knowledge of standard bioinformatics tools
„XWorking knowledge of one or more programming languages; experience with PERL/CGI or Java/Java Script is required
„XDatabase design and architecture
„XExperience with SQL database systems (Oracle or Sybase)
„XExcellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to effectively communicate work results and outcomes to non-SME

PREFERENCES

TERMS:

LOCALE: Rockville, Maryland (Washington, DC metro area)

COMPENSATION

Annual base salary, cash bonus and stock options commensurate with your experience and with competitive market data

HOW TO APPLY

Visit http://www.hgsi.com and our careers page. Job ID #2436

DEADLINE

None