Vice President Drug Discovery

Our mission is to develop therapies that empower the immune system to combat neurodegeneration and our team is focused on developing treatments for some of the most challenging diseases facing our society. We are supported in this mission by experienced and accomplished scientists and clinicians, a novel portfolio of programs, leading healthcare investors, and pharma company partners, who share in our commitment to bettering the lives of patients and realizing a world where we make brain disorders history

We are seeking an inspirational and transformational Biology leader to lead and move forward our preclinical programs efficiently. Your extensive experience and expertise in Neuroscience drug development will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our research endeavors! Core areas of focus will be to translate genetics and human biology into both in vitro (IPSC cellular models) and in vivo systems (mouse models) to understand innate immune modifiers of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. We strive to dissect the molecular, cellular, and tissue-level mechanisms by which genetic variants modulate disease risk, with a major focus on the role of microglial cell function in vitro and in vivo.

You will be reporting to our Chief Scientific Officer & Head of Research, and you will manage a team of research biologists and project team leaders and work across teams including Antibody and Protein Engineering, Nonclinical sciences, Tech Ops, and CMC.

In your first year you will:

• Set strategy for our research areas and maintain strategic focus across multiple complex drug discovery programs, prioritize resource allocation, and drive decisions consistent with company goals. Ensure the timely execution of our project portfolio with strong scientific plans and data generation.
• Work closely with our CSO to incorporate new ideas and translate them with the team into programs. Provide scientific, strategic, and mentorship to an enthusiastic team of scientists.
• Maintain an excellent grasp on emerging areas of immunology and neuroscience research that are potential competitive advantages, including engaging in external collaborations in support of our discovery and development programs.
• Collaborate with your business partners to devise comprehensive strategies that use innovative technologies.
• Seamlessly integrate discovered targets into preclinical plans enabling well-informed decision-making throughout the preclinical phase.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Immunology with over 20 years in academia or in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, including 10+ years in drug discovery.
• Expertise and scientific achievement in Immunology/Neuroscience related neurodegenerative disorders.
• Deep experience leading drug discovery programs to the IND stage
• Highly proficient with all facets of drug discovery and ability to collaborate with peers in other departments to ensure project advancement.
• Excellent people leader and mentor
• Ability to design and execute translatable proof of concept studies.
• Expertise in in vivo studies in rodents.
• Proactive, innovative, with good problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team and matrix environment.
• Ability to influence peers, colleagues, and senior leadership