VP/SVP, Discovery Research (Virology)
Work In Biotech, Seattle, WA, United States
(S)VP, Discovery Research (Virology)
Location: [Seattle, WA / Bay Area | Hybrid]
Company: Stealth-mode Biotechnology Company
The Role Will lead the strategy and execution of discovery research across all antiviral programs, owning efforts from discovery through IND-enabling studies including virology/pharmacology, structural/biophysical characterization, DMPK, and toxicology.
Key Responsibilities Discovery Strategy & Scientific Leadership Define and lead the end-to-end discovery strategy for antiviral programs Drive target identification and validation grounded in viral biology, host-pathogen interactions, and mechanisms of immune protection Establish and/or oversee platform capabilities across virology, immunology, and antibody engineering
Virology & Antiviral Discovery Execution Lead development and implementation of virologically relevant screening systems (e.g. neutralization assay, cell-based infection models, HTS) Oversee viral isolate selection and characterization, including emerging variants May guide epitope mapping and therapeutic design, including structure-guided approaches Direct studies of viral entry, replication, and immune evasion mechanisms Integrate in vitro and in vivo infection models to evaluate efficacy and translational relevance Establish and interpret correlates of protection and functional immune readouts Drive resistance profiling and escape mutation analysis to ensure durability of antiviral candidates
Research Through IND-Enabling Oversight Extend leadership beyond discovery to scientific oversight of IND-enabling activities, ensuring continuity of program strategy Guide design and interpretation of: Pharmacology and efficacy studies (including relevant animal models) PK/PD and dose-ranging studies Nonclinical safety strategy, including IND-enabling toxicology planning and study design Ensure alignment between discovery data, candidate profile, and regulatory expectations for IND submission Contribute to IND strategy, data packages, and regulatory documentation in collaboration with cross-functional teams Maintain accountability for candidate quality and differentiation through transition into early clinical development
Operating Model & Team Building Contributes to the build and leadership of a high-performing, multidisciplinary organization Establish and/or manages a partially externalized research model leveraging CROs, academic collaborators, and specialized virology labs Set standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and efficient execution
Cross-Functional Leadership Partner closely with CMC, translational, regulatory, and clinical partners to ensure seamless progression from discovery through clinical trials Lead cross-functional trade-off decisions balancing potency, breadth, developability, manufacturability, and timelines
External Engagement & Scientific Insight Engage with KOLs and partners to stay at the forefront of virology, immunology, and emerging pathogens May evaluate external opportunities aligned with company strategy
Qualifications Required PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in virology, immunology, or related field 15+ years of industry experience with proven successful record advancing biologic therapeutics into the clinic. Deep expertise in viral biology
Strongly Preferred Direct experience with protein-based therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) Experience contributing to BLA approval or late-stage clinical success Respiratory pathogen expertise Prior successful direct experience in and/or management of protein sciences, virology pharmacology, DMPK and toxicology.
Leadership Profile Builder mindset with the ability to contribute to a world-class, yet lean, discovery organization Sets a culture of scientific rigor, speed, and accountability Able to bridge deep biology with translational and regulatory requirements Strong communicator who drives clear, decision-oriented discussions
The Role Will lead the strategy and execution of discovery research across all antiviral programs, owning efforts from discovery through IND-enabling studies including virology/pharmacology, structural/biophysical characterization, DMPK, and toxicology.
Key Responsibilities Discovery Strategy & Scientific Leadership Define and lead the end-to-end discovery strategy for antiviral programs Drive target identification and validation grounded in viral biology, host-pathogen interactions, and mechanisms of immune protection Establish and/or oversee platform capabilities across virology, immunology, and antibody engineering
Virology & Antiviral Discovery Execution Lead development and implementation of virologically relevant screening systems (e.g. neutralization assay, cell-based infection models, HTS) Oversee viral isolate selection and characterization, including emerging variants May guide epitope mapping and therapeutic design, including structure-guided approaches Direct studies of viral entry, replication, and immune evasion mechanisms Integrate in vitro and in vivo infection models to evaluate efficacy and translational relevance Establish and interpret correlates of protection and functional immune readouts Drive resistance profiling and escape mutation analysis to ensure durability of antiviral candidates
Research Through IND-Enabling Oversight Extend leadership beyond discovery to scientific oversight of IND-enabling activities, ensuring continuity of program strategy Guide design and interpretation of: Pharmacology and efficacy studies (including relevant animal models) PK/PD and dose-ranging studies Nonclinical safety strategy, including IND-enabling toxicology planning and study design Ensure alignment between discovery data, candidate profile, and regulatory expectations for IND submission Contribute to IND strategy, data packages, and regulatory documentation in collaboration with cross-functional teams Maintain accountability for candidate quality and differentiation through transition into early clinical development
Operating Model & Team Building Contributes to the build and leadership of a high-performing, multidisciplinary organization Establish and/or manages a partially externalized research model leveraging CROs, academic collaborators, and specialized virology labs Set standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and efficient execution
Cross-Functional Leadership Partner closely with CMC, translational, regulatory, and clinical partners to ensure seamless progression from discovery through clinical trials Lead cross-functional trade-off decisions balancing potency, breadth, developability, manufacturability, and timelines
External Engagement & Scientific Insight Engage with KOLs and partners to stay at the forefront of virology, immunology, and emerging pathogens May evaluate external opportunities aligned with company strategy
Qualifications Required PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in virology, immunology, or related field 15+ years of industry experience with proven successful record advancing biologic therapeutics into the clinic. Deep expertise in viral biology
Strongly Preferred Direct experience with protein-based therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) Experience contributing to BLA approval or late-stage clinical success Respiratory pathogen expertise Prior successful direct experience in and/or management of protein sciences, virology pharmacology, DMPK and toxicology.
Leadership Profile Builder mindset with the ability to contribute to a world-class, yet lean, discovery organization Sets a culture of scientific rigor, speed, and accountability Able to bridge deep biology with translational and regulatory requirements Strong communicator who drives clear, decision-oriented discussions