Director, Therapeutics Translational Neurobiology

Broad Institute•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

The Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute is seeking a Director of Therapeutics Translational Neurobiology to set scientific strategy, identify novel targets, and lead execution across several programs in its preclinical drug discovery portfolio. The role applies genetic and neurobiological discoveries to identify and prioritize therapeutic opportunities, develop strategic investments, and pursue external partnerships as projects mature. The Director will oversee projects from target validation through drug discovery and preclinical proof-of-concept, and will have the independence to form and manage a small team focused on identifying and developing new targets. The work involves close partnership with Stanley Center Therapeutics leadership, Broad’s drug discovery chemistry team (Center for Developing Therapeutics), and Stanley Center geneticists and neurobiologists. In collaboration with Broad’s Office of Strategic Alliances and Partnerships, the Director will develop relationships with biotech and pharmaceutical partners. This position reports to Morgan Sheng, co-director of the Stanley Center and head of Therapeutics.

Requirements

Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Chemistry, or a related life sciences field.
10+ years of drug discovery experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
Demonstrated track record of leading programs from target identification through IND-enabling studies or beyond.
CNS or psychiatric disease drug discovery experience.
At least 7 years of experience managing a team of scientists in industry, including hiring, mentoring, and performance development.
Direct experience managing a multi-project portfolio and making prioritization and resourcing decisions across programs.
Established track record of, or direct exposure to, external partnership development, licensing discussions, or business development in a biotech/pharma or academic drug discovery context.
Comfort working in a matrixed organization and balancing scientific direction from principal investigators with programmatic and portfolio ownership.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership, external partners, and scientific audiences.

Responsibilities

Partner with Stanley Center therapeutics leadership to define and drive scientific strategy across several projects, translating human genetic and biological insights into prioritized drug discovery plans.
Collaborate on strategic planning and resource allocation across the broader therapeutics program.
Own portfolio-level budget planning and managerial oversight across preclinical therapeutics projects, from target validation through drug discovery and preclinical proof-of-concept.
Oversee and mentor project leads working on existing targets, while building a team to develop and advance new targets.
Foster scientific rigor, collaboration, and professional growth across the team.
Make and defend go/no-go and prioritization decisions as projects generate data, balancing scientific rationale, feasibility, and strategic fit with the Center’s mission.
Build and maintain biotech and pharmaceutical relationships, working with Broad’s Business Development office to identify and develop partnership opportunities as programs mature.
Represent the Stanley Center’s therapeutics work externally, including in partnering discussions, scientific conferences, and diligence processes.