Vice President, Translational Biology

flagshippioneeringinc; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mirai Bio, a privately-held biotechnology company, seeks a Head of Translational Biology to lead its Translational Biology Group within Flagship's Platform Group. You will identify and guide discovery programs, prioritize projects, and develop innovative non-viral delivery strategies with cross-functional teams to enable next-gen nucleic acid therapeutics.

The role requires a PhD in immunology or related field and 8+ years in vivo delivery, with a proven track record in CRO management and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related field.
• 8+ years in vivo delivery in a biopharmaceutical setting.
• Subject matter expert in pharmacology and in vivo delivery; biodistribution experience a plus.
• Prior management experience and CRO/external collaboration experience.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee discovery programs for in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept studies in small and large animal models.
• Deliver and implement non-viral delivery approaches with internal teams and external collaborators.
• Design and troubleshoot experiments based on industry experience and literature.
• Initiate and oversee collaborations with industry partners and CROs.
• Set timelines, priorities, and allocate resources; ensure alignment with org goals.
• Present study materials to senior leadership and train the team of scientists.

Skills

Immunology

In vivo delivery

Cross-functional leadership

Team management

Education

Ph.D. in Immunology or related field

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Mirai Bio is a privately-held, Flagship-founded biotechnology company that is delivering genetic medicines from promise to performance. Mirai was built to solve one of the field's central challenges: achieving precise, scalable delivery of diverse nucleic acid payloads to specific cells and tissues, particularly beyond the liver. By combining a large and growing proprietary in vivo biodistribution dataset, machine learning-guided lipid nanoparticle optimization, modular targeted particle design, and integrated translation and manufacturing capabilities, Mirai helps partners accelerate development, reduce technical risk, and pursue high-value programs making delivery a strategic advantage. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for defining the future of genetic medicines together.

THE ROLE

Mirai Bio is seeking a highly talented individual to lead its Translational Biology Group and manage multiple research programs as part of FL85's Platform Group where they will identify, prioritize, and provide innovative solutions to challenges posed by delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. They will work cross-functionally to direct and oversee discovery research and partner-based therapeutic candidate development programs to enable Mirai's next generation genomic medicines. The successful candidate will implement strategies to overcome limitations of current nucleic acid delivery approaches and will have a strong understanding of targeted information molecule delivery and relevant in vitro and in vivo models. A robust background in immunology, pre-clinical pharmacology and in vivo delivery modalities is required. As the Head of Translational Biology , the successful candidate will support development of novel non-viral delivery capabilities and key responsibilities as below.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directing and overseeing discovery programs covering in vitro and in vivo proof-of -concept studies in small and large animal models in support of developing innovative non-viral vectors with cell-specific tropism and/or enhanced functional delivery properties.
• Delivering rigorous workflows, including generation and implementation of ideas to facilitate novel non-viral delivery approaches with other parts of the organization and external collaborators.
• Designing and troubleshooting experiments derived from industry experience and literature review.
• Initiating and overseeing collaborations with industry partners with a view to helping them develop their therapeutic strategy.
• Establishing and managing timelines to ensure projects are completed according to schedule.
• Setting project priorities, planning workload, and managing resource and personnel scheduling.
• Ensuring group goals are met and are aligned with broader organizational objectives.
• Preparing study materials and presenting scientific presentations at internal and external meetings including to senior leadership.
• Training, developing, and providing leadership to a team of Scientists and Research Associates.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field
• Typically has 8+ years of relevant work experience related to in vivo delivery in a biopharmaceutical setting
• Subject matter expert in the fields of pharmacology and in vivo delivery with hands-on research application experience related to delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics - experience with immunology and biodistribution studies is a plus
• Prior management experience is required
• Proven ability to work independently and cross-functionally with highly skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technical environment
• Experience managing CROs and external collaborations
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Motivated, curious, proactive and comfortable working with highly technical projects and bringing their technical expertise to problem solving with others
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying technical information in a clear and thorough manner
• Comfortable delivering against challenging commitments and timelines

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual lis