(Sr/Exec) Director, Biology (Virology)
Location: [Seattle, WA / Bay Area | Hybrid]
Company: Stealth-mode Biotechnology Company
The Role
The Director, Biology (Virology) will be a key scientific leader within the discovery organization, responsible for driving virology strategy and execution across all antiviral programs. Will lead hands-on efforts spanning target validation, assay development, candidate profiling, and translational virology, with direct impact on development candidate selection and IND-enabling readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Virology Strategy & Program Leadership
- Lead virology efforts across one or more programs, aligning with broader discovery strategy set by senior leadership
- Drive target validation and mechanistic understanding of viral infection, pathogenesis, and immune protection
- Contribute to candidate profile definition (potency, breadth, durability) grounded in viral biology and clinical context
Virology & Antiviral Discovery Execution
- Design, develop, and oversee virologically relevant assay systems, including:
- Viral neutralization assays (live virus and pseudovirus)
- Cell-based infection models using clinically relevant strains and variants
- High-throughput or medium-throughput screening assays for biologic candidates
- Lead viral isolate sourcing, propagation, and characterization, including variant panels relevant to clinical strategy
- Drive mechanistic studies of viral entry, replication, and immune evasion
- Execute and/or oversee epitope mapping, escape analysis, and resistance profiling
- Integrate in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate antiviral activity and translational relevance
- Define and interpret correlates of protection and functional immune readouts
Candidate Advancement & IND-Enabling Support
- Generate decision-quality data packages to support candidate selection and progression
- Partner in the design and execution of:
- In vivo pharmacology and efficacy studies
- PK/PD and dose-response characterization
- Nonclinical safety and toxicology studies (in collaboration with development teams)
- Ensure virology and pharmacology data are aligned with regulatory expectations for IND-enabling packages
- Contribute to IND documentation and regulatory interactions as needed
Externalized Research & Operations
- Manage and execute a hybrid internal/external research model, including CROs, academic collaborators, and specialized virology labs
- Serve as a key scientific point of contact for external partners, ensuring high-quality data generation and timelines
- Maintain high standards for experimental design, data integrity, and reproducibility
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with protein sciences, antibody engineering, DMPK, toxicology, and CMC teams to ensure integrated candidate development
- Contribute to cross-functional decision-making, balancing potency, breadth, developability, and timelines
- Communicate data and insights clearly to senior leadership and broader teams
Scientific Engagement
- Stay current with emerging science in virology, immunology, and antiviral therapeutics
- Engage with external experts and KOLs to inform program strategy
Qualifications
Required
- PhD (or equivalent) in virology, immunology, or related field
- 10–15 years of relevant experience in biotech or pharma
- Deep expertise in viral biology and in vitro/in vivo virology systems
- Demonstrated experience advancing biologic or antiviral programs in discovery and preclinical stages
- Strong track record of hands-on experimental leadership and program execution
Strongly Preferred
- Direct experience with antiviral monoclonal antibodies or protein-based therapeutics
- Experience with respiratory viruses (e.g., RSV, influenza, coronaviruses)
- Familiarity with IND-enabling studies and regulatory expectations
- Experience working in externally enabled research models (CROs/academic labs)
Leadership Profile
- Scientifically rigorous and detail-oriented, with strong experimental instincts
- Highly collaborative, with the ability to influence across functions without formal authority
- Execution-focused, with a bias toward clarity, speed, and decision-making
- Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-moving startup environment
