Associate Director/Director, Biology (Oncology Drug Discovery)

Iambic Therapeutics, Inc•San Diego, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Iambic Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate Director or Director to lead oncology drug discovery efforts and advance our core mission of accelerating small molecule drug discovery through the integration of experimental and AI/ML-driven approaches. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of driving oncology drug discovery programs and will lead project teams with a deep understanding of the progression of drug candidates from hit identification to IND submission. This role will set scientific direction and drive cross-functional collaboration with Chemistry, DMPK, Safety, and Computational teams. This position is based at our San Diego headquarters. IMPACT & SCOPE Partner with Iambic’s computational and ML scientists to incorporate AI/ML-based tools and models that accelerate data interpretation, hypothesis generation, and decision-making across biology workflows. This is a high-impact role that influences portfolio strategy and progression.

Requirements

PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology or related field with 12+ years of relevant industry experience in small molecule discovery or Master’s Degree with 15+ years of experience may be considered.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional project teams advancing programs from hit identification toward IND, with ownership of decision criteria and milestone delivery.
In-depth knowledge of oncology molecular pharmacology with specific expertise in characterizing mechanism of action, potency, and efficacy of hits and leads; experience with critical drug discovery assay formats (e.g. biochemical/cell potency, cell-based target engagement, proximity assays such as HTRF, alphaLISA, nanoBRET, as appropriate for project needs).
Experience designing, validating, and transferring assays to CROs/automation/HTS platforms; familiarity with HTS methodologies and counter-screens.
Proven ability to guide resolution of high-impact technical issues across functions; track record of scientific creativity and rigorous data standards.
Flexible and able to quickly learn new skills and knowledge on the job
Strong people management skills: mentoring scientists, performance management, and building inclusive, high-trust teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept at executive-level summaries and data-driven recommendations.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating in vivo pharmacology or translational biomarker strategies, including drug-drug combinations in vitro and in vivo.
Experience in structure-guided oncology drug discovery.
Familiarity with AI/ML-based drug discovery platforms and experience collaborating with computational/cheminformatics teams.
Define and own biology strategy across one or more programs; serve as a biology thought partner to program leadership; influence portfolio planning and resourcing
Collaborate with Biology and cross-functional colleagues to maintain and elevate data quality standards, optimize decision frameworks, and enhance operational effectiveness using cutting-edge tools and technologies.
Previous experience leading or co-leading scientific collaborations or consortia.

Responsibilities

Program leadership: Initiate, direct, and execute biology plans that support medicinal chemistry and translational goals across discovery stages (hit-to-lead, LO, candidate selection, IND-enabling).
Cross-functional integration: Chair or co-lead cross-functional workstreams; align assay strategy with SAR hypotheses, DMPK/PD needs, and safety/translational biomarkers.
Collaboration leadership: Lead or co-lead key scientific collaborations with internal and external partners, driving integration of data and strategy toward shared objectives.
Assay strategy & data integrity: Conceptualize and oversee the design and validation of in vitro and ex vivo assays (signaling, binding, trafficking, imaging, and mechanism of action) enabling robust potency, selectivity, and efficacy assessments. Establish acceptance criteria, controls, and QC/QA standards.
External execution: Manage and mentor CROs/partners; scope statements of work, timelines, budgets, and deliverables. Ensure reproducibility and compliance with internal SOPs and GLP-adjacent expectations where appropriate.
People leadership & development: Manage and grow a team of scientists/associates; set goals, provide feedback, and develop talent.
Decision-making: Drive stage-gate criteria, risk registers, and mitigation plans; author/own decision memos and present to governance/leadership.