Executive Director, Head of LNP Discovery Biology

Your Role

In this strategic leadership role, you will establish and lead the LNP Discovery Biology group within Research Unit N&I, building a targeted delivery platform that advances differentiated therapeutic candidates across the portfolio.

As a member of the RU N&I leadership team, you will define research strategy, guide discovery projects, and enable data-driven Go/No-Go decisions at research governance.

You will be accountable for the scientific vision, execution, and impact of the LNP discovery biology platform.

• Develop the platform across assay development, in vivo model selection, translational readouts, and IND-enabling milestones, while ensuring scientific rigor, reproducibility, and portfolio relevance.
• Partner closely with Preclinical Pharmacology and other R&D functions to design, execute, and interpret in vivo efficacy, mechanistic, and tolerability studies.
• Define and track key scientific KPIs, including delivery efficiency, target cell engagement, therapeutic index, and tolerability benchmarks, to guide portfolio prioritization and governance decisions.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality analyses, reports, and recommendations for project teams, governance committees, and senior management.
• Communicate research goals, progress, risks, and outcomes clearly across senior and cross-functional audiences, while engaging external experts, academic collaborators, and key opinion leaders to strengthen the scientific network and access emerging technologies.

Who You Are

• Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related life science discipline.
• MD/PhD or equivalent clinical-scientific background (a plus).
• 15+ years of progressive experience in drug discovery and preclinical R&D in pharma or biotech, including at least 5 years in a leadership role managing scientific teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on, in-depth expertise in LNP-based delivery systems, including formulation principles, in vivo delivery optimization, and organ or cell targeting strategies.
• Direct experience with in vivo CAR-T or CAAR-T programs, with oligo/siRNA therapeutic experience considered equally important.
• Deep expertise in LNP formulation and in vivo delivery biology, including the design and interpretation of efficacy, mechanistic, and tolerability studies in relevant immunology or inflammation disease models.
• Experience in IND-enabling research and GLP study oversight.
• Biotech start-up experience, including building teams and platforms from the ground up.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Immunology & Inflammation biology as it relates to targeted delivery therapeutic strategies.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications, patents, or equivalent industry contributions.
• Significant managerial experience, including the ability to lead through influence and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Experience managing global scientific teams and external collaborations.
• Ability to oversee and prioritize multiple preclinical projects and advance them in a timely manner.
• Strong analytical, strategic, operational, communication, presentation, influencing, and networking skills.
• High energy, sound judgment, and a demonstrated ability to drive innovation and solve complex problems.

Pay Range

The pay range for this position is $237,300 - $355,900. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Retirement contributions
• Other perquisites

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