Responsibilities

• Provides strategic and scientific leadership for cross-functional project teams focused on the development of tissue-targeted therapeutic molecules as they transition from early discovery (lead identification) into early clinical development.
• Develops clear work plan that maps out timing and resourcing requires to execute on critical path activities to progress novel lead tissue-targeted therapies from lead ID through early clinical testing, including candidate nomination, nonclinical PK and safety evaluation, CMC activities, regulatory submissions, and early clinical testing.
• Maintains team focus on efficient execution IND-enabling workplans. Works with project managers to track execution of critical path activities relative to target timelines and budget.
• Updates strategy based on emerging scientific data, changes in competitive landscape, and company strategic priorities; supports timely and clear project team decision-making that aligns with that strategy.
• Facilitates identification and resolution of issues/gaps; risks and risk-mitigation strategies . Prioritizes timely, resource-efficient solutions that are aligned with company priorities.
• Ensures cross-functional project team decisions are made in a timely manner and are aligned with company strategic priorities and latest scientific data.
• Advocates for the program with internal and external stakeholders; supports two-way communication between senior leadership and project team members. Ensures the opinions and perspectives of internal and external partners and stakeholders are heard and understood.
• Fosters a team culture of rigor, grit, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Position Requirements

• A PhD degree in life sciences or a scientific discipline related to drug development; MD, PharmD or MS with strong scientific and drug development background also considered
• At least 7 years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience in drug development, spanning from discovery through initiation of first-in-human clinical studies
• Experience in discovery and development of biologic and / or oligonucleotide therapies, with a focus on neuroscience, motor, or cardiometabolic therapeutic areas preferred
• Excellent knowledge of drug development processes and deliverables at each stage of the pipeline
• Successful track record of leading projects/program teams in a cross-functional team environment from early discovery through IND-enabling activities and ideally through early clinical development
• Experience successfully leading projects with participation by external collaborators
• Experience in oversight and successful integration of CROs, CDMOs, contractors and consultants
• Excellent leadership skills with exceptional decision-making and analytical skills
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships
• Excellent time management skills; comfortable driving toward on-time execution of deliverables in context of uncertain drug-development environmen

We value different experiences and ways of thinking and believe the most talented teams are built by bringing together people of diverse cultures, genders, and backgrounds.