(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
