About this opportunity
Work In Biotech lists this VP / SVP, Research opportunity in seattle, Washington. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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
If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application.
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
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.