Vice President, Head of Research

Trimaren Human Capital Partners; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Biotech, a stealth-mode company in Massachusetts, seeks a visionary Head of Research to identify and advance novel targets and molecules through our pipeline, shaping a durable, high-quality portfolio in hematologic disease.

You will lead In Vitro Biology, In Vivo Pharmacology, and Translational Biology, providing scientific and strategic leadership across CMC, Regulatory, Clinical, and Development to drive discovery from research through IND-enabling stages and forge external

Qualifications

• PhD in life sciences with 15+ years in biopharma R&D and senior leadership roles.
• Internationally recognized expert in oligonucleotide- or antibody-based medicines with high-impact publications.
• Proven track record of building and leading large, multidisciplinary research organizations and guiding portfolio investments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term research vision and strategy.
• Build and scale a high-performing research organization.
• Oversee discovery portfolio governance, prioritization, and program advancement.
• Ensure scientific rigor, innovation, and operational excellence across all research activities.
• Partner cross-functionally with CMC, Regulatory, Clinical, Finance, and Corporate Development to progress discovery from research to IND-enabling stages.
• Support the scientific strategy for regulatory interactions, business development, and external partnerships.
• Ensure robust data integrity, documentation, and knowledge-management for regulatory submissions and due diligence.
• Own the Research budget, define success metrics, manage risk, and strengthen the company’s scientific reputation.

Skills

Leadership

Executive presence

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Scientific excellence

Education

PhD in life sciences

Job description

Confidential Biotech | Stealth Mode | On-site in MA

We are seeking a visionary scientific leader to serve as Head of Research with accountability for identifying, validating, and advancing novel therapeutic targets and molecules through our Research pipeline. Consequently, the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the Company's future.

The Head of Research will lead the In Vitro Biology, In Vivo Pharmacology, and Translational Biology functions, providing scientific and strategic leadership to ensure the development of an exceptional, sustainable pipeline of novel therapeutics aligned with our mission to become the global leader in the treatment of hematological diseases. The role requires a deep understanding of drug discovery and development, strategic vision, and exceptional organizational and leadership skills to build and inspire a high-performing, harmonious Research organization. Additionally, the Head of Research will play an essential role as a key internal and external ambassador, partnering closely across our research, development, and finance functions to drive portfolio investment decisions, whilst also cultivating strategic external collaborations that strengthen the company's discovery engine and scientific profile.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the long-term research vision and discovery strategy, aligned with corporate objectives and therapeutic-area priorities.
• Build, lead, and scale a high-performing research organization that fosters accountability, collaboration, diversity, and scientific excellence.
• Provide executive oversight of the discovery portfolio, including governance, prioritization, and disciplined decision-making for target selection, modality choice, and program advancement.
• Ensure scientific rigor, innovation, and operational excellence across all research activities, embedding best practices, emerging technologies, and scalable processes.
• Partner cross-functionally with CMC, Regulatory, Clinical, Finance, and Corporate Development to enable seamless progression from discovery through IND-enabling stages.
• Support the scientific strategy for regulatory interactions, business development, and external innovation, including evaluation of assets, technologies, and partnerships.
• Ensure robust data integrity, documentation, and knowledge-management practices to support regulatory submissions, due diligence, and long-term value creation.
• Serve as a senior enterprise leader, owning the Research budget, defining success metrics, managing risk, and strengthening the company's scientific reputation through thought leadership and external engagement

Requirements

• PhD in cell or molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Must have at least 15 years of progressive experience in biopharmaceutical research organizations, including senior leadership roles with accountability for strategy, teams, and portfolio outcomes.
• Internationally recognized expert in oligonucleotide- or antibody-based medicines with a strong record of high-impact publications and contributions towards advancing novel therapeutics from discovery through development.
• Proven track record for creating and leading successful Research organizations that integrate large, diverse, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven track record of shaping discovery strategy and influencing portfolio-level investment decisions.
• Strong business and matrix leadership skills, with experience partnering effectively across research, development, commercial, and corporate functions.
• Exceptional communication and executive presence, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse internal and external stakeholders.