Vice President, Pharmaceutical & Process Development

Stoke Therapeutics•Bedford, MA

20d•$325,000 - $375,000

About The Position

The Vice President, Pharmaceutical & Process Development will define and advance the scientific and technical strategy for Stoke Therapeutics’ Pharmaceutical & Process Development organization. The role enables the discovery, preclinical evaluation, and technical development of medicines and guides multidisciplinary teams, external collaborators, strategic partners, and vendors. Working with leaders across preclinical research, data sciences, technical operations, and clinical development, this executive will expand the impact of Stoke’s gene regulation strategies and support sustained scientific and pipeline productivity. The successful candidate will bring cross-disciplinary expertise in chemistry, biology, process and analytical sciences, formulation, and delivery, along with the organizational leadership needed to build and scale a high-performing R&D organization. The position is based in the Bedford, Massachusetts area; Stoke plans to move to Waltham, Massachusetts by the end of 2026. The role requires approximately 10% travel. Stoke allows flexibility in work arrangements while emphasizing periodic in-person collaboration.

Requirements

PhD in Chemical Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 12 years of progressive pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry leadership experience spanning formulation, novel delivery technologies, medicinal chemistry, process and analytical development, platform strategy, and organizational leadership.
Strong understanding of and experience with developability assessment criteria and global CMC/regulatory guidance and expectations for development and commercialization of complex modalities, including oligonucleotide and nucleic acid therapeutics such as ASOs and siRNAs.
Distinguished record of scientific innovation, reflected through publications, patents, INDs/CTAs/NDAs/BLAs, and advancement of therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action and/or delivery into preclinical and clinical development.
Demonstrated ability to leverage internal capabilities, external innovation, and strategic collaborations to operationalize strategic plans and advance platform technologies from discovery through clinical development.
Proven track record building and leading high-performing integrated teams, developing talent, and balancing enterprise priorities across efficiency, risk, and innovation.
Track record of innovation, strategic thinking, strong problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and organizational skills.
Ability to build and sustain an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports innovation and continuous improvement.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technically complex topics to diverse audiences, present recommendations, and drive alignment with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Ability to navigate and influence within a complex matrix organization.

Responsibilities

Define and execute an enterprise-level strategic roadmap for oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, spanning nucleotide medicinal chemistry, process and analytical sciences, delivery strategy, and formulation innovation.
Advance platform innovation to broaden the reach, differentiation, and therapeutic impact of oligonucleotides in regulating disease-relevant gene expression.
Identify, assess, and integrate technologies that extend the impact of TANGO and other nucleic acid approaches by improving target presentation and engagement across relevant tissues and cell types.
Provide senior technical leadership across ASO, siRNA, and PMO technologies, including chemistry, process and analytical sciences, delivery strategy, and formulation.
Build, lead, and scale scientific teams responsible for nucleic acid chemistries, bioconjugates, delivery systems, process development, analytical characterization, biological validation, and technical implementation.
Evaluate therapeutic concepts and platform technologies using scientific insight, strategic judgment, and disciplined governance, considering potential impact, differentiation, and product or technology risk.
Partner with R&D and program leadership to shape early-stage therapeutic concepts, inform strategic direction and resourcing decisions, and support pipeline candidate selection and advancement.
Establish and steward external partnerships and collaborations that expand Stoke’s technological capabilities in alignment with its mission and priorities.
Represent platform capabilities and technologies with credibility and influence among internal stakeholders, external scientific leaders, partners, and collaborators.