Director of Research Development

Executive Recruit; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Executive Recruit in Boston seeks a Director, R&D - Discovery Biology to lead the Discovery Biology group and advance programs from target validation through IND-enabling studies. This hands-on leadership role focuses on building a strong team, shaping discovery strategy, and collaborating with chemistry, translational medicine, CMC, and external partners.

The ideal candidate has a PhD and 10+ years in biotech/pharma, with 5+ years of people leadership and a track record of IND progression.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, or related field.
• 10+ years of R&D experience with 5+ years in leadership.
• Proven ability to advance discovery programs toward IND.
• Experience with external CROs and budget management.
• Strong communication in a matrixed, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of scientists responsible for target validation, assay development, functional genomics, and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Own discovery biology strategy for 2–3 pipeline programs and partner with project teams to set milestones and decision points.
• Drive programs from lead optimization through IND-enabling studies, including pharmacology, biomarker strategy, and translational package design.
• Manage external CROs and academic collaborators, including study design, timelines, budgets, and data quality.
• Represent Discovery Biology on cross-functional program teams and contribute to regulatory documents and IND submissions.

Skills

Team leadership

Target validation

Assay development

Genomics

Strategic planning

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

External partnerships

Regulatory/documentation

Education

PhD in molecular biology/immunology/pharmacology/cell biology

Job description

My client is a clinical-stage biotech developing RNA-targeted medicines. They are seeking a Director, R&D - Discovery Biology to lead their Discovery Biology group and help advance programs from target validation through IND-enabling studies.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a scientist-leader who enjoys building strong teams, shaping discovery strategy, and working closely with chemistry, translational medicine, CMC, and external partners.

What you will do

• Lead and develop a team of scientists responsible for target validation, assay development, functional genomics, and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Own discovery biology strategy for 2–3 pipeline programs and partner with project teams to set milestones and decision points.
• Drive programs from lead optimization through IND-enabling studies, including pharmacology, biomarker strategy, and translational package design.
• Manage external CROs and academic collaborators, including study design, timelines, budgets, and data quality.
• Represent Discovery Biology on cross-functional program teams and contribute to regulatory documents and IND submissions.
• Build a culture of rigorous science, clear decision-making, and inclusive team development.

What you will bring

• PhD in molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, cell biology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of R&D experience in biotech and/or pharma, including 5+ years of people leadership.
• Demonstrated track record advancing discovery programs toward development/IND.
• Strong experience in assay development, target validation, and translational biology.
• Experience managing CROs/external partners and program budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and comfort operating in a matrixed, fast-moving environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with RNA therapeutics, ASO, siRNA, mRNA, or RNA-targeting modalities.
• Background in immunology, inflammation, or fibrosis.
• Experience contributing to IND submissions or regulatory interactions.