VP / SVP, Research (Seattle)

VP or SVP of Research

Location: Seattle, WA or Hybrid (Must be able to travel to Seattle 1wk per month)

Company: Stealth-mode Biotechnology Company

The Role

Lead research strategy and execution for antibody and biologic therapeutics, advancing programs from discovery through IND submission and into the clinic. The role requires deep antibody expertise and a proven record of overseeing IND-enabling development, integrating pharmacology, structural and biophysical characterization, DMPK, and toxicology with CMC, regulatory, and clinical planning.

Key Responsibilities

Research Strategy and Scientific Leadership

• Define and lead research strategy for antibody and biologic programs, from discovery and candidate selection through clinical entry
• Drive target validation and candidate selection grounded in disease biology, mechanism of action, and target product profiles
• Establish and oversee capabilities in antibody engineering, protein sciences, and translational pharmacology, with specialist virology support for antiviral programs

Antibody and Biologics Research

• Oversee assays to characterize binding, potency, and mechanism of action, including neutralization and cell-based infection assays for antiviral candidates
• Guide antibody optimization and candidate selection based on potency, breadth, developability, and pharmacokinetic properties
• Guide epitope mapping and structural and biophysical characterization to inform therapeutic design
• Integrate in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate efficacy and translational relevance
• Oversee viral breadth and resistance assessments with internal experts and external partners
• Guide translational readouts and exposure-response analyses to support clinical dose selection

IND Oversight and Clinical Transition

• Lead scientific oversight of IND-enabling development, aligning study plans, timelines, and data quality with IND submission and clinical entry
• Guide design and interpretation of:
• Pharmacology and efficacy studies (including relevant animal models)
• PK/PD and dose-ranging studies
• Nonclinical safety strategy, including IND-enabling toxicology planning and study design
• Ensure alignment between research data, candidate profiles, and regulatory expectations for IND submission
• Lead preparation and integration of research and nonclinical data packages for IND submissions, partnering with regulatory, CMC, and clinical teams
• Maintain accountability for candidate quality and differentiation through transition into early clinical development

Operating Model and Team Building

• Contribute to building and leading a high-performing, multidisciplinary research organization
• Establish and manage a partially externalized research model using CROs, academic collaborators, and specialized laboratories
• Set standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and efficient execution

Cross Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with CMC, translational, regulatory, and clinical teams to advance programs through IND submission and into clinical trials
• Lead cross-functional trade-off decisions balancing potency, breadth, developability, manufacturability, and timelines

External Engagement and Scientific Insight

• Engage with scientific leaders and partners to inform antibody and biologics research and development strategy
• May evaluate external opportunities aligned with company strategy

Qualifications

Required

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, virology, or a related field
• 15+ years of industry experience with a demonstrated record of leading biologic therapeutics through IND submission and into clinical trials
• Deep expertise in antibody and biologic therapeutics, including monoclonal antibody discovery, characterization, and preclinical development
• Demonstrated success overseeing IND-enabling programs across pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology and integrating results into regulatory submissions

Preferred

• Virology or infectious disease experience; respiratory pathogen expertise is a plus
• Experience contributing to BLA approval or late-stage clinical success
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and external partners in an emerging biotechnology company

Leadership Profile

• Builder mindset with the ability to contribute to a high-performing, lean research organization
• Sets a culture of scientific rigor, speed, and accountability
• Able to bridge deep biology with translational and regulatory requirements
• Strong communicator who drives clear, decision-oriented discussions