Director, Therapeutics Translational Neurobiology

Broad Institute•Cambridge, MA

8d•$162,000 - $226,000

About The Position

The Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute seeks a Director of Therapeutics Translational Neurobiology to help set scientific strategy, identify novel targets, and lead execution across several programs in its preclinical drug discovery portfolio. The Stanley Center brings together expertise in genetics, computation, neurobiology, and therapeutics to understand the biology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and translate that understanding into new treatments. Its preclinical therapeutics program advances genetically and biologically grounded targets through early drug discovery to preclinical proof-of-concept, drawing on human genetics, iPSC-derived cellular models, postmortem brain tissue, and mouse and non-human primate model systems. This leadership role is intended for an experienced drug-discovery leader with industry experience shaping portfolios beyond a single project. The Director will use genetic and neurobiological discoveries to identify areas for therapeutic investment, develop and execute 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 of scientists to identify, develop, and prosecute new targets. The role works closely with Stanley Center therapeutics leadership, the Broad Institute’s drug discovery chemistry team (Center for the Development of Therapeutics, CDOT), Stanley Center geneticists and neurobiologists, and the Broad’s Office of Strategic Alliances and Partnerships. The Director will build relationships with biotech and pharmaceutical partners to develop external alliances. The 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 or cell biology, chemistry, or a related life sciences field.
At least 10 years of industry drug discovery experience in biotech or pharma, with a demonstrated 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 industry experience managing a team of scientists, 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 biotech/pharma or an academic drug discovery context.
Ability to operate in a matrixed organization, 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 therapeutics projects, translating human genetic and biological insights into prioritized drug discovery plans.
Collaborate with therapeutics leadership 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, and build a team to develop and prosecute 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 relationships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, working with the Broad’s business development office to identify and cultivate partnership opportunities as programs mature toward preclinical proof-of-concept.
Represent the Stanley Center’s therapeutics work externally in partnering discussions, scientific conferences, and diligence processes.