Work In Biotech · 2 weeks ago
Executive Director / Vice President, Discovery / Research
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
15+ years expWork In Biotech is a stealth-mode biotechnology venture based in Seattle seeking an accomplished Executive Director or Vice President of Discovery/Research. The role involves leading scientific strategy and execution across discovery, preclinical research, and IND-enabling development for monoclonal antibodies targeting viral pathogens.
Human ResourcesRecruitingStaffing Agency
Responsibilities
Define and articulate the scientific vision for discovery and preclinical research in alignment with company mission and long-term pipeline goals
Build a differentiated discovery strategy for prophylactic monoclonal antibodies, including target selection, mechanistic prioritization, and candidate profiling
Create an integrated scientific plan that supports both innovation (new platform capabilities, viral target-space expansion) and execution (lead optimization and IND readiness)
Serve as the executive scientific leader responsible for aligning discovery research with the critical path to IND and beyond, ensuring all research outputs support regulatory expectations and development timelines
Oversee integration of virology, pharmacology, structural/biophysical characterization, PK/PD, nonclinical safety, and CMC considerations into a coherent development plan
Lead senior-level interactions with regulatory consultants and contribute to IND strategy, scientific narrative, data interpretation, and responses to regulatory authorities
Build and lead a high-performing research organization, initially through strategic use of CROs, contractors, and academic partnerships, with selective internal hiring over time
Mentor and develop scientific staff; instill a culture of rigor, creativity, accountability, and translational thinking
Drive cross-functional alignment across research, CMC, clinical strategy, and operations—without reliance on large internal departments
Guide experimental strategy for virology and pharmacology, including in vitro and in vivo models, neutralization assays, and mechanistic studies required for candidate differentiation
Ensure that research activities support translational hypotheses, dose selection strategies, and safety margins
Direct structural and biophysical studies (cryo-EM, crystallography, SPR/BLI, epitope mapping) that inform antibody engineering, lead selection, and regulatory justification of mechanism
Integrate structural insights into overall discovery strategy and development decision-making
Serve as the senior scientific representative in relationships with CROs, academic collaborators, industry partners, and scientific advisors
Represent the company’s research strategy in board discussions, investor interactions, and scientific forums as appropriate
Establish research operating principles, quality standards, and data-review processes suited to a small but high-ambition company
Manage budgets, timelines, and strategic resourcing to maximize scientific productivity in a lean setting
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field
15+ years of relevant industry experience with increasing leadership responsibility; prior role(s) at Executive Director, VP, or equivalent strongly preferred
Proven track record directing monoclonal antibody discovery and optimization from concept through preclinical development and to BLA
Experience leading programs toward IND-enabling studies and partnering on IND strategy
Deep scientific expertise in at least one of: viral pathogenesis, virology and antiviral pharmacology, antibody engineering, structural biology, or translational sciences
Demonstrated ability to build, mentor, and lead scientific teams—preferably in early-stage or resource-constrained environments
Exceptional ability to manage external partners and drive execution across multiple disciplines
Strong communication skills, including the ability to represent scientific strategy to executives, boards, and external stakeholders
Preferred
Experience with prophylactic or infectious disease–focused antibody programs
Prior involvement in company formation, platform development, or early pipeline strategy
Experience interacting directly with the FDA or other global health authorities
Proven track record of establishing research capabilities and scientific culture in start-up or lean environments
Benefits
Competitive compensation
Meaningful equity ownership
Company
Work In Biotech
Work In Biotech is a job board and recruiting service for biotech startups, offering job listings and an AI-cruiter tool.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Kelly Burke
Founder and Principal Recruiter
Company data provided by crunchbase