Vice President, Biology and Translational Science

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

We are seeking an exceptional scientific leader to serve as VP/SVP, Biology & Translational Science, responsible for driving our discovery and early development strategy from target identification through IND and continue to support the program as needed through clinical development. This individual will integrate deep expertise in immunology, translational science and/or protein biologics to build a high-impact pipeline and ensure successful progression of programs into the clinic. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to develop effective strategies and execution plans to advance early molecules through preclinical development to ensure emerging assets exhibit strong differentiation and possibility of success. They should have an excellent understanding of the landscape of immune-mediated diseases to help build a diversified pipeline. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, goal-driven individual who participates as a strategic leader while fostering a culture of executional excellence.

Requirements

PhD or MD/PhD in pharmacology or biological disciplines such as immunology, cellular biology, oncology, or biochemistry, with 10+ years direct pharmaceutical experience beyond postdoctoral work
Deep expertise in immunology with a strong understanding of disease biology
Proven track record advancing protein biologics from hit identification to IND
Significant experience in target selection and nomination
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams to drive go/no go decisions
Excellent project management skills and the ability to effectively manage CROs and to facilitate interactions with academic labs and companies to ensure project progression.
Demonstrated success in translational science, including biomarker strategy and IND-enabling work and direct experience in supporting IND strategy and documentation, including writing relevant pharmacology sections of INDs.
Flexibility to dynamical adapt workplans and lead teams through changing priorities and deadlines.
A pioneering mindset to grow a startup venture

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in smaller companies is highly preferred

Responsibilities

Define translational strategies to bridge preclinical findings to human studies
Lead identification and implementation of biomarkers (PD, predictive, and safety)
Ensure programs are designed with clinical endpoints and patient stratification in mind
Increase probability of clinical success through mechanism-based approaches.
In collaboration with PKPD/ QSP modeling team, develop translational frameworks for AI enabled derisking of drug development path
Lead progression of protein biologics programs from hit identification through lead optimization and IND-enabling studies
Partner cross-functionally with discovery and development teams to build out and drive comprehensive IND strategy, including pharmacology, safety, and translational packages
Ensure clear go/no-go decision frameworks across discovery and preclinical stages
Proactively recognize and develop creative solutions for emerging technical and scientific issues
Lead target identification, evaluation, and nomination grounded in human biology and disease relevance
Define and drive biological hypotheses aligned with company strategy, with a focus on immunology
Oversee development of robust in vitro and in vivo models to validate targets and mechanisms
Build and prioritize a portfolio strategy for multiple differentiated biologics programs
Build, mentor and lead high-performing teams delivering across biology, pharmacology, and translational science. Identify, initiate, and manage productive collaborations with CROs, partners and academic labs as appropriate to driving projects forward and collaborate closely with clinical development, regulatory, and executive leadership
Develop, motivate and inspire a high-performing Biology and Translational Science organization
Serve as an enterprise leader, driving cross-functional alignment, clear decision-making, and a culture of accountability, innovation, and executional excellence.
Serve as a key scientific voice with board members, investors, and external partners
Foster a culture of rigor, innovation, collaborative and decisive execution