Role Overview

A clinical?stage biotech developing RNA?based therapeutics is seeking a senior scientific leader to head Biology and Drug Discovery. This executive will build and lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for target biology, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, translational biology, and candidate selection across a growing pipeline in cardiovascular, metabolic, hepatic, renal, and inflammatory disease areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute discovery and translational strategy with executive leadership.
• Build and lead high?performing teams across in vitro/in vivo pharmacology, target biology, mechanistic studies, and biomarker strategy.
• Drive target identification, validation, and prioritization using genetic, functional, and translational approaches.
• Lead discovery programs from target selection through candidate nomination and IND/CTA?enabling studies, including RNAi/siRNA and oligonucleotide?based modalities.
• Oversee assay development, PK/PD evaluation, biomarker development, and mechanistic characterization.
• Guide design and interpretation of animal studies, including disease models relevant to cardiovascular, metabolic, hepatic, renal, and inflammatory biology.
• Integrate delivery?technology considerations (e.g., GalNAc, extrahepatic delivery) into discovery and translational strategy.
• Lead data?driven portfolio decisions and contribute to long?range planning and pipeline expansion.
• Represent scientific programs to leadership, advisory boards, investors, and external partners.
• Collaborate cross?functionally with chemistry, delivery, bioinformatics, toxicology, CMC, clinical, and regulatory teams.
• Support diligence, partnerships, and external innovation efforts.
• Recruit and develop scientific talent while fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent in a relevant scientific field.
• 12+ years of industry experience with significant leadership in drug discovery and translational research.
• Proven track record advancing therapeutics from discovery to IND/CTA and early clinical development.
• Deep expertise in in vitro/in vivo pharmacology, translational biology, target validation, and biomarker development.
• Strong understanding of RNAi, siRNA design, oligonucleotide therapeutic development, and delivery technologies (e.g., GalNAc, extrahepatic platforms).
• Experience across cardiovascular, metabolic, hepatic, renal, or inflammatory disease areas.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive strategic portfolio decisions.
• Excellent communication skills and experience engaging executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen with experience in partnering, diligence, and external innovation.