Director, Nephrology Research

Job description

Director, Nephrology Research

This is a strategic scientific leadership role focused on advancing innovative research in rare kidney diseases. You will shape nephrology research strategy and identify emerging science, targets, and technologies with therapeutic potential. The role spans early scientific concepts through candidate selection, preclinical development, and IND readiness. You will integrate disease biology, human genetics, translational evidence, and pharmacology to guide program decisions. Working in a highly externalized model, you will lead collaborations with academic institutions, biotech partners, and CROs. You will also contribute to scientific due diligence and evaluate external opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and investment. The position offers broad cross-functional exposure within a collaborative, science-driven biopharmaceutical environment.

Accountabilities

Define and execute research strategies for rare kidney diseases, identifying and prioritizing opportunities according to scientific rationale, patient need, translational potential, differentiation, feasibility, and likelihood of clinical success.

Identify emerging disease biology, human genetics, clinical insights, therapeutic technologies, and external discoveries that can support differentiated research programs.

Serve as scientific lead for nephrology programs from early concepts through candidate selection, preclinical development, and IND readiness.

Develop integrated strategies covering target validation, pharmacology, translational research, biomarkers, and early development planning, with clear criteria for advancing programs.

Integrate mechanistic, in vitro, in vivo, human genetic, natural-history, and clinical evidence to evaluate target validity and therapeutic potential.

Establish translational strategies connecting mechanism of action, target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, biomarkers, patient selection, and potential clinical outcomes.

Evaluate and guide the selection of therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, oligonucleotides, gene therapies, and other emerging approaches.

Collaborate with Nonclinical Development, DMPK, Toxicology, Bioanalytical, CMC, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Development, and Regulatory teams to establish integrated development plans.

Oversee research conducted through academic laboratories, biotechnology partners, CROs, and other external collaborators, ensuring scientific quality and alignment with program objectives.

Identify and cultivate relationships with academic investigators, biotechnology companies, nephrology experts, and other scientific leaders.

Lead or contribute to scientific due diligence for potential licensing, collaboration, and investment opportunities, assessing scientific quality, reproducibility, differentiation, risks, and development readiness.

Identify evidence gaps and recommend confirmatory studies, risk-mitigation strategies, and potential development pathways.

Represent the organization at scientific conferences, meetings, and external collaborations while sharing relevant scientific and industry insights internally.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline; a PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field is preferred.

At least 10 years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience, or 6+ years with a PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree.

Deep expertise in kidney biology, renal physiology, nephrology drug discovery, or the molecular mechanisms of kidney disease.

Demonstrated ability to translate disease biology, human genetics, and translational evidence into therapeutic hypotheses and executable research plans.

Proven experience identifying and advancing therapeutic targets or drug-discovery programs through candidate selection or preclinical development.

Strong experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies.

Experience establishing and leading collaborations with CROs, academic researchers, biotechnology partners, or scientific consultants.

Experience working cross-functionally to advance programs toward IND submission or early clinical development.

Working knowledge of regulatory expectations related to pharmacology and nonclinical packages supporting first-in-human studies.

Expertise in one or more relevant areas such as podocytopathies, glomerular diseases, proteinuric kidney diseases, tubular disorders, or cystic kidney diseases is valued.

Experience with human genetics, patient-derived samples, organoids, or other advanced model systems for therapeutic target validation is advantageous.

Familiarity with multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, oligonucleotides, gene therapy, gene editing, or RNA-based therapeutics.

Experience developing translational biomarkers or PK/PD strategies for preclinical or early clinical programs.

Experience conducting scientific due diligence for licensing, collaboration, or business-development opportunities.

Demonstrated scientific leadership, sound judgment, and strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and influencing skills within matrixed and externally oriented environments.

Ability to travel approximately 10% domestically and internationally.

Ability to participate in face-to-face collaboration and onsite work in San Diego as required; the position is not expected to be fully remote.

Benefits

Target base salary range of $189,000–$246,000 USD, with actual compensation determined by factors such as experience, education, skills, and location.

Short-term incentive opportunities and long-term incentive compensation, including company stock.

Premium health, financial, work-life, and well-being benefits for eligible employees and dependents.

Retirement plans with employer contributions or matching.

Life insurance and disability coverage.

Generous paid time off.

Wellness and employee support programs.

Collaborative, diverse, and science-driven work environment.

Opportunities to contribute to innovative rare-disease research and develop professionally.

Ongoing consideration of applications until the position is filled.

Reasonable accommodations available throughout the application and interview process.

Worksite address

san diego, CA, 92189, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.