Early Development Program Lead – Cambridge

Insmed Incorporated; United States; On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics seeks an Early Development Program Lead to guide late lead optimization through IND filing, serving as the scientific and operational bridge between research and development.

You will provide strategic scientific leadership for small molecules and ASOs, oversee cross-functional teams, manage CROs/CDMOs, and define and execute project plans to deliver timely milestones.

Qualifications

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, or related field.
• 15+ years in pharma/biotech, with 5+ years in small molecule or oligonucleotide discovery/development.
• Proven leadership in advancing programs through IND filings.
• Experience with regulatory interactions (FDA, EMA).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic scientific leadership for small molecule and oligonucleotide programs.
• Oversee cross-functional teams (medicinal chemistry, CMC, biology, toxicology, DMPK/ADME, regulatory, clinical).
• Manage CROs/CDMOs.
• Define and execute project plans.
• Mitigate risks.
• Ensure timely milestone achievement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Regulatory interactions

Risk mitigation

Education

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry or Pharmacology

Job description

Role: Early Development Program Lead responsible for guiding early-stage drug development programs from late lead optimization through IND filing, serving as the scientific and operational bridge between research and development.

Responsibilities:

• provide strategic scientific leadership for small molecule and oligonucleotide programs
• oversee cross-functional teams (medicinal chemistry, CMC, biology, toxicology, DMPK/ADME, regulatory, clinical)
• manage CROs/CDMOs
• define and execute project plans
• mitigate risks
• ensure timely milestone achievement

Requirements:

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, or related field
• 15+ years in pharma/biotech, with 5+ years in small molecule or oligonucleotide discovery/development
• proven leadership in advancing programs through IND
• experience with regulatory interactions (FDA, EMA)

High Value:

early development, small molecules/ASOs, from lead optimization to IND, cross-functional team leadership, remote work with occasional travel (~10%).