Director / Sr. Director, Biologics Development

BioPhase; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

BioPhase in California is seeking an accomplished Director/Senior Director of Biologics Development to lead discovery, engineering, and development of next-generation biological therapeutics. This senior role blends deep technical protein engineering with the ability to guide and mentor high-performing teams.

The title will be commensurate with experience, scope, and leadership track record as the biologics pipeline advances from concept to candidate selection and into development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, Protein Science, or related field.
• 10+ years in biotech R&D with leadership roles.
• Experience advancing biologics from discovery to development.
• Strong assay development and characterization expertise.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication with technical and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Set and drive scientific strategies for biologics discovery and development.
• Lead protein engineering and molecule design/selection for optimized candidates.
• Oversee design, development, and validation of assays for characterization.
• Coordinate PK studies and direct engineering strategies for PK optimization.
• Direct cross-functional program activities across discovery, protein sciences, and analytical development.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop scientific staff and culture.
• Represent the team to senior leadership and external partners.
• Contribute to regulatory strategy and IND-enabling activities.
• Track emerging technologies and competitive landscape to inform strategy.
• Support business development evaluations of in-licensing and collaborations.

Skills

Leadership

Biologics development

Protein engineering

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry or related

Job description

Comp: 210k - 265k DOE

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished Director / Senior Director of Biologics Development to lead the discovery, engineering, and development of next-generation biological therapeutics. This is a senior leadership position for a scientist who combines deep technical expertise in protein engineering and molecule characterization with a proven ability to build, mentor, and direct high-performing cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will manage the strategic and operational direction of our biologics pipeline from concept through candidate selection and into development.

The title (Director vs. Senior Director) will be commensurate with the candidate's experience, scope, and leadership track record.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and drive scientific strategies for biologics discovery and development across antibodies, fusion proteins, RNA conjugates, and other engineered protein modalities.
• Lead protein engineering and molecule design/selection, using data-driven evaluation of biophysical, biochemical, and functional properties to optimize candidates for potency, selectivity, stability, manufacturability, and developability.
• Oversee the design, development, and validation of assays supporting candidate characterization, binding kinetics, and functional activity.
• Coordinate PK studies for lead molecules and direct engineering strategies for PK optimization as needed.
• Direct cross-functional program activities spanning discovery, protein sciences, and analytical development, applying CMC and translational research principles to advance programs against milestones, timelines, budgets, and technical risk.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop scientific staff, fostering a collaborative and rigorous research culture.
• Represent the biologics development team to senior leadership and external partners, presenting strategy, progress, and results.
• Contribute to regulatory strategy and documentation, supporting IND-enabling activities and health authority interactions.
• Track emerging technologies, the competitive landscape, and scientific literature to inform pipeline and platform strategy.
• Support business development activities, including evaluation of in-licensing opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, Protein Science, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Extensive hands-on and leadership experience in protein engineering, including antibody or protein optimization, RNA conjugation, and developability assessment.
• Demonstrated success developing biological therapeutics, with a track record of advancing candidates through discovery and into development.
• Strong expertise in assay development, including binding, potency, functional and biophysical characterization assays.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multifunctional teams, coordinating across scientific disciplines to deliver against program goals.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical R&D, with several years in a people-management or team-leadership capacity.
• Deep understanding of the biologics drug development process, from target validation through candidate selection and early development.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to technical and executive audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a range of modalities beyond monoclonal antibodies (e.g., VHH, multispecifics, fusion proteins, ADCs, RNA conjugation) and development.
• Experience partnering with CMC and analytical development to support manufacturability and technology transfer.
• Direct involvement in IND filings and regulatory interactions.
• History of scientific contributions demonstrated through publications, patents, and/or presentations.
• Experience managing external CROs, academic collaborations, or strategic partnerships.