Immuno-Oncology Program Lead-Director/Senior Director

Averna Therapeutics Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 189,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Averna Therapeutics Inc. in Watertown, MA, seeks a Director/Senior Director of Immuno-Oncology and Program Lead to drive early and translational oncology programs from discovery through DC selection, ensuring clinical relevance and patient benefit.

Lead cross‑functional teams across US and Israel, align platform development, preclinical, translational and CMC activities, and manage timelines, resources, and governance to deliver development milestones.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology or related discipline required.
• Deep tumor biology expertise and translational models.
• Proven track record leading cell therapy or in vivo CAR programs.
• Experience leading in vivo pharmacology teams, tumor applications preferred.
• Exposure to lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems and RNA payload tech a plus.
• Significant drug development and cross-functional leadership experience.
• Experience with distributed, multi-time-zone teams is preferred.
• Proficient with project management tools (Smartsheet, SharePoint).
• Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and strategic direction for oncology programs.
• Lead programs from discovery through Development Candidate (DC) selection.
• Serve as primary scientific liaison across US & Israel sites with multiple teams.
• Direct cross-functional activities supporting in vivo studies and assays.
• Develop and maintain integrated project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Prepare program status updates and governance materials for leadership.
• Establish translational strategies linking preclinical findings to clinical hypotheses.
• Anticipate risks and propose mitigation with senior leadership.
• Mentor and develop team members to foster rigor and collaboration.

Skills

Tumor biology

Tumor microenvironment

Translational models

Cell therapy programs

In vivo pharmacology

Program leadership

Cross-functional teams

LNP delivery

Education

PhD in Biology

Job description

Averna Therapeutics Inc. in Watertown, MA, seeks a Director/Senior Director of Immuno-Oncology and Program Lead to drive early and translational oncology programs from discovery through DC selection, ensuring clinical relevance and patient benefit.

Lead cross‑functional teams across US and Israel, align platform development, preclinical, translational and CMC activities, and manage timelines, resources, and governance to deliver development milestones.