Director, Exploratory Research

Responsibilities

• Drive the identification, prioritization, and execution of exploratory biology initiatives through CROs, academic collaborators, and external scientific partners.
• Lead the design, oversight, execution, and interpretation of mechanistic and pharmacological studies (in vitro and in vivo) to support exploratory research efforts and early-stage nonclinical development programs.
• Develop innovative scientific hypotheses and research approaches that advance understanding of disease biology, therapeutic mechanisms, and opportunities for future pipeline evolution.
• Evaluate emerging scientific opportunities, technologies, and external assets that may complement Rhythm's research and development objectives.
• Integrate data across pharmacology, physiology, pathology, translational sciences, genetics, and clinical research to support strategic decision-making and scientific problem solving.
• Lead cross-functional exploratory research and discovery-stage project teams, ensuring alignment of objectives, timelines, resources, and scientific priorities.
• Propose, develop, validate, and optimize fit-for-purpose assays and experimental approaches to address key biological questions and advance research programs.
• Collaborate with Data Sciences and other functions to translate observational, clinical, or biomarker findings into experimentally testable hypotheses.
• Generate clear, actionable conclusions and communicate scientific findings effectively to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data quality within a fully outsourced research model.
• Build and manage productive relationships with CROs, academic collaborators, key opinion leaders, and external experts.
• Operate independently across multiple concurrent projects, proactively managing priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging science, technologies, and therapeutic approaches relevant to rare neuroendocrine diseases.
• Contribute scientific leadership as programs advance through nonclinical development, with opportunities to assume increasing responsibility across later-stage development activities.

Qualifications And Skills

• PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience, endocrinology, pharmacology, or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in biotech or pharmaceutical R&D.
• Demonstrable expertise in neuroendocrine biology, metabolic disease, or CNS–peripheral signaling pathways.
• Extensive track record of designing, executing, and interpreting studies independently.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fully outsourced / CRO-based research model.
• Familiarity with both small molecule and peptide agonist modalities and understanding of non-clinical pharmacology principles.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workloads.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with the ability to influence across the organization.
• Creative, innovative, strategic, problem-solving approach.
• Independent self-starter, but with an ability to be a strong team player in a highly collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead multiple scientific initiatives simultaneously while balancing competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in integrating multidisciplinary data to generate translational insights and guide program strategy.
• Track record of developing novel experimental approaches, assays, or disease models to address complex biological questions.