VP/SVP, Discovery Research (Virology)

(S)VP, Discovery Research (Virology)

Location: [Seattle, WA / Bay Area | Hybrid]

Company: Stealth-mode Biotechnology Company

The Role

Will lead the strategy and execution of discovery research across all antiviral programs, owning efforts from discovery through IND-enabling studies including virology/pharmacology, structural/biophysical characterization, DMPK, and toxicology.

Key Responsibilities

Discovery Strategy & Scientific Leadership

• Define and lead the end-to-end discovery strategy for antiviral programs
• Drive target identification and validation grounded in viral biology, host-pathogen interactions, and mechanisms of immune protection
• Establish and/or oversee platform capabilities across virology, immunology, and antibody engineering

Virology & Antiviral Discovery Execution

• Lead development and implementation of virologically relevant screening systems (e.g. neutralization assay, cell-based infection models, HTS)
• Oversee viral isolate selection and characterization, including emerging variants
• May guide epitope mapping and therapeutic design, including structure-guided approaches
• Direct studies of viral entry, replication, and immune evasion mechanisms
• Integrate in vitro and in vivo infection models to evaluate efficacy and translational relevance
• Establish and interpret correlates of protection and functional immune readouts
• Drive resistance profiling and escape mutation analysis to ensure durability of antiviral candidates

Research Through IND-Enabling Oversight

• Extend leadership beyond discovery to scientific oversight of IND-enabling activities, ensuring continuity of program strategy
• 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 discovery data, candidate profile, and regulatory expectations for IND submission
• Contribute to IND strategy, data packages, and regulatory documentation in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Maintain accountability for candidate quality and differentiation through transition into early clinical development

Operating Model & Team Building

• Contributes to the build and leadership of a high-performing, multidisciplinary organization
• Establish and/or manages a partially externalized research model leveraging CROs, academic collaborators, and specialized virology labs
• Set standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and efficient execution

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with CMC, translational, regulatory, and clinical partners to ensure seamless progression from discovery through clinical trials
• Lead cross-functional trade-off decisions balancing potency, breadth, developability, manufacturability, and timelines

External Engagement & Scientific Insight

• Engage with KOLs and partners to stay at the forefront of virology, immunology, and emerging pathogens
• May evaluate external opportunities aligned with company strategy

Qualifications

Required

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in virology, immunology, or related field
• 15+ years of industry experience with proven successful record advancing biologic therapeutics into the clinic.
• Deep expertise in viral biology

Strongly Preferred

• Direct experience with protein-based therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
• Experience contributing to BLA approval or late-stage clinical success
• Respiratory pathogen expertise
• Prior successful direct experience in and/or management of protein sciences, virology pharmacology, DMPK and toxicology.

Leadership Profile

• Builder mindset with the ability to contribute to a world-class, yet lean, discovery 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