About the job
Skape Bio is an early-stage, venture-backed biotechnology company, co-founded by Nobel Laureate David Baker to develop de novo designed miniprotein therapeutics for GPCRs. Our platform integrates computational design, protein engineering, novel screening technology and translational science to deliver breakthrough medicines where significant unmet medical needs remain and traditional modalities have failed to provide a solution.
We are building a highly collaborative team where passionate individuals thrive in a hands-on, high-impact environment. Our culture is open and supportive, emphasizing initiative, teamwork, rapid learning, and high standards.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic VP / Head of Translational Biology & Pharmacology to lead Skape Bio’s translational biology and preclinical pharmacology strategy. You will be responsible for converting computationally designed miniproteins into development-ready clinical candidates through a rigorous, decision-driven framework.
You will define and implement strategies spanning human-relevant pharmacology, in vivo proof-of-concept, PK/PD, and biomarker discovery. You will play a central role in portfolio prioritization, candidate selection, and progression toward IND/CTA submissions, while building and scaling translational capabilities at Skape Bio.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & R&D Governance
- Define and deliver the translational biology and pharmacology roadmap across priority programs
- Establish clear decision frameworks, including Go/No-Go criteria and stage-gate governance
- Build and scale a high-performing translational function, internally and through external partnerships
- Foster a culture of scientific rigor, transparency, and execution in a fast-paced environment
Translational Strategy & Pharmacology
- Design and oversee human-relevant in vitro pharmacology assay cascades, including potency, efficacy, selectivity, and mechanism of action
- Lead PK/PD strategy and translational modeling to support candidate selection and clinical hypotheses
- Drive in vivo efficacy studies and proof-of-concept strategies to de-risk target biology
- Develop and implement biomarker strategies, including target engagement and patient stratification
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with computational design, protein engineering, and screening teams to enable design-test feedback loops
- Ensure biology and pharmacology data are structured, high-quality, and decision-relevant
- Integrate best practices from small molecules and biologics to optimize translational approaches
External Collaboration & Development Support
- Oversee CROs and external partners supporting pharmacology and in vivo studies
- Contribute to IND/CTA submissions, including biology and pharmacology sections
- Ensure studies meet regulatory and development standards
Qualifications
- PhD in Pharmacology, Biology, Physiology, or related life sciences discipline
- 15+ years of industry experience in biotech or pharma, with increasing leadership responsibility
- Proven track record in delivering preclinical candidates and advancing programs into clinical development
- Deep expertise in translational pharmacology, in vivo models, and biomarker strategies
- Experience with biologics, peptides, or miniproteins is advantageous
- Familiarity with computationally enabled drug discovery is a plus
- Strong leadership, communication, and execution skills in cross-functional environments
What we offer
- Frontier technology: AI-driven platform for de novo designed GPCR therapeutics
- Supportive and ambitious culture with high ownership and collaboration
- Opportunity to build and shape a critical function at company headquarters
- BII-based environment in central Copenhagen with strong infrastructure and community
- Competitive compensation package including salary, benefits, and equity
Apply for the job
Do you want to join our team as our new VP / Head of Translational Biology & Pharmacology? Then we'd love to hear from you!
Apply here: https://skape-bio.homerun.co/vp-of-translational-medicine/en
