Executive Director, Biologics Innovation & Strategy

Exelixis Inc; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 268,500 - 380,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Discretionary annual bonus

Stock purchase plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick days

Job summary

Exelixis Inc. seeks a senior scientific leader to drive antibody-based therapeutics from discovery through IND, with a focus on oncology and ADC programs. You will lead cross‑functional teams, coordinate translational research, and guide project decisions across pharmacology and toxicology disciplines.

The role requires a PhD and extensive industry experience, with responsibility for mentoring staff, managing budgets, and advancing biologics projects within the company’s portfolio.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of fifteen years of post-PhD experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong background in biologics, especially Oncology.
• Experience leading oncology/ADC programs and contributor to IND sections.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage antibody-based therapeutic programs.
• Collaborate across development teams to resolve project needs.
• Lead project teams and manage interdependencies and timelines.
• Oversee in vivo studies for efficacy, PK/PD and early toxicology.

Skills

Biologics expertise

Oncology experience

Leadership

Project management

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/biology/immunology

Job description

Summary / Job Purpose

As a member of the biotherapeutics group, the incumbent plays a key role in leading and managing the efforts to evaluate drug candidates resulting from the Biologics discovery and development efforts at Exelixis from both an in vivo pharmacological perspective as well as relating to early research toxicology and safety. The incumbent supports the head of biotherapeutics in research and development activities of ongoing and new projects in the biologics' portfolio including providing leadership for post-DC Translational sub-teams, supporting efforts to identify clinical indications for projects, and maintaining responsibility for writing Pharmacology sections in the IND.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and execute antibody‑based therapeutic programs.
• Interact and collaborate with other biotherapeutics department team members, internal departments in development (pharmacokinetics, toxicology, translational medicine, pharmaceutical development) and external collaboration colleagues to discuss and resolve project needs and issues in research and early development of biotherapeutics.
• Project lead in collaboration with scientific research and development.
• Participate in cross‑functional teams to implement research plans.
• Identify and manage critical path activities and resources for development candidate nomination.
• Identify and manage interdependencies and hand‑offs.
• Identify and proactively mitigate roadblocks.
• Lead and manage projects in external collaborations.
• Lead and oversee the design, execution, and analysis of in vivo studies to evaluate efficacy, PK/PD, and early toxicology assessments for biologics projects.
• Expand the Pharm/Tox function with new hires, and manage, guide, and train hires for in‑house lab expansion in Discovery Pharm/Tox and project team leadership in biologics programs.
• Accomplish goals under project team timelines.
• Provide support in the evaluation of biologics research platforms and preclinical licensing candidates as needed.
• Maintain consistent, multi‑level communication with Development Team Members, Senior Management, and the Executive Team.
• Support, teach, and mentor co‑workers.
• Follow company intellectual property and compliance policies and practices.
• Comply with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practices.
• Perform departmental activities such as budget planning, administrative management and employee performance development and planning if the position oversees internal employees.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises employees.

Education & Experience

Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a related scientific discipline such as Pharmacology, biology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology or microbiology and a minimum of fifteen years of experience in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry post Ph.D.; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong background in the biologics domain.
• Experience with biologics in Oncology is a must.
• Experience leading and managing Oncology/ADC/Programs.
• Research experience with antibody‑based therapeutics from discovery to IND.
• Experience writing intellectual property filings, reports, and non‑clinical IND sections.

Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive scientific knowledge in the field of biologics in Oncology and experience taking biologics projects from discovery to IND.
• Extensive knowledge of in vitro and in vivo characterization and translational pharmacology of ADCs and bispecifics.
• Knowledge of intellectual property matters and issues related to biotherapeutics.
• Ability to apply advanced scientific and technical principles, theories, and concepts, and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.
• Ability to set goals with an understanding of priority and impact to program, department, and organization.
• Think strategically and be solution oriented.
• Take a hands‑on, “roll up your sleeves” approach.
• Ability to drive, facilitate, track, anticipate, influence, and implement team objectives; challenge the status quo where relevant.
• Ability to resolve conflicts within the team.

Job Complexity

Works on extremely complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables. Exercises independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Uses professional concepts to contribute to development of company concepts and principles and to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways.

Compensation & Benefits

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this position is $268,500 - $380,500 annually. The base pay may be adjusted based on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity, among other factors. In addition to the base salary, as part of the Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales‑based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock and receive long‑term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company‑wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

Working Conditions

Our office is a modern space that fosters collaboration and creativity. Teams work closely together, sharing ideas and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. We provide all necessary equipment, including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs, to ensure a comfortable workspace.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.