VP, Discovery Biology

VP, Discovery Biology

As a Vice President, Discovery Biology at NextRNA Therapeutics, you will join an interdisciplinary team of highly creative and talented individuals whose vision is to improve patients' lives by expanding the space of RNA-targeted Therapies. You will be responsible for leading and building a team and, in a "hands-on" fashion, contribute to all stages of the drug discovery, including target identification to lead optimization through IND. You will have an essential role in influencing overall company strategy and engaging with KOLs, SAB members, and CROs.

The candidate must be self-driven and thrive in an exciting, fast-paced environment in a rapidly-growing company.

About you:

• You have an extensive track record of leading small molecule drug discovery programs through IND.

• You have proven success(es) in leading first-in-class programs in adopting highly innovative approaches to answering complex biological questions.

• You have a history of publications and presentations at scientific conferences highlighting your direct involvement in drug discovery programs.

• You have experience in managing a mid-size team of scientists.

• You are a rigorous biologist who makes decisions based on data of the highest quality.

• You are a real team player whose collaboration is one of your best strengths.

• You are conscientious, organized, and detailed oriented.

• You are curious, love learning, and are eager to do what it takes to solve complex problems.

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy pushing the edge of what is possible.

What you'll do:

• Lead all internal and external biology activities focused on the preclinical development of existing projects and identify and validate new targets.

• Provide leadership, strategic oversight, resource management, and organizational framework to ensure timely decision-making on projects.

• Identify, support, manage and develop talent among the team; act as a resource and mentor to team members by providing guidance, instruction, feedback, and ongoing coaching; encourage visionary thinking. Value the advancement of our programs and our people and contribute to NextRNA culture.

• Professionally represent the organization externally in collaborations and conferences, board of directors, and scientific advisory board meetings.

• Work effectively in a cross-functional capacity in interacting and working closely with the heads of technology platform, bioinformatics, structural biology, biochemistry, and chemistry to deliver high-quality results efficiently.

• Communicate and present progress in projects effectively across the organization.

• Create, interact, and manage a network of KOLs and CROS

Key Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with 15 years of industry experience in the pharmaceutical and /or biotechnology field as a biologist.

• 10+ years of managing team to develop small molecule drug applied to oncology and immunology

• Expertise in RNA, non-coding RNA, RNA binding protein biology is a plus

• Proven track record of scientific innovation, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

• Proven ability to work within a matrix management structure to influence programs

• Demonstrated ability to lead through others and develop emerging leaders within the organization

• Ability to work productively and collaboratively with potential corporate partners/external collaborators

• Ability to multi-task/ prioritize and time management of daily activities

• Great attention to detail

• Demonstrated a high level of accuracy and effective oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent ability to work in a goal and team-oriented setting.

• Well-developed organizational skills and the ability to deliver in an exciting high-paced environment.

• Proactive and efficient to enable high-quality results while fostering a positive work environment.

• Exhibits passion and excitement over work. Has a can-do attitude without losing objectivity.

• Adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions and copes effectively with complexity and change.

Diversity Statement -

Come to NextRNA as your true self. We value every aspect that makes you unique and want everyone to feel comfortable being who they are while working with us. This is why NextRNA does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical abilities, neurodiversity, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We welcome any qualified individual to bring their unique selves to become part of our team.