VP Global Program Lead

Verto People; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Verto People Ltd in the East Coast US is seeking a senior Project Leader / VP to own immunology and respiratory programme leadership from preclinical through IND/CTA and into early clinical development.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, cross-functional leadership across Biology, Translational Sciences, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Development, and the use of AI-driven insights to shape portfolio decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology or related field.
• 7+ years in biopharma R&D within immunology and/or respiratory areas.
• Proven experience leading pre-IND and IND-enabling programmes.
• Experience supporting IND submissions and advancing candidates to clinical development.
• Strong understanding of immune-mediated or respiratory diseases and therapies.
• Experience developing biologics, monoclonal antibodies or multispecifics is desirable.
• Solid grasp of drug discovery, translational medicine, regulatory requirements and early development.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional programmes in a matrix organisation.
• Experience managing CROs, external partners, budgets and timelines.
• Excellent scientific judgement, strategic leadership, communication and stakeholder mgmt.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced biotech environment with evolving priorities.
• East Coast US location preferred with willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple preclinical and early-stage development programmes across immunology and respiratory areas.
• Drive programmes from candidate selection through IND-enabling activities and early clinical development.
• Develop and execute integrated programme strategies, timelines, budgets, milestones and risk mitigation plans.
• Lead cross-functional teams across Biology, Translational Sciences, Protein Engineering, Toxicology, CMC, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Development.
• Oversee the preparation and review of IND/CTA submissions, regulatory briefing materials and health authority responses.
• Guide decisions on candidate differentiation, indication selection and future portfolio opportunities.
• Identify and manage scientific, regulatory and operational risks to ensure progression.
• Oversee external CROs, academic collaborators and strategic partners.
• Integrate AI-driven insights, computational biology and translational science into strategies.
• Present programme updates and investment recommendations to senior leadership and governance committees.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Communication & stakeholder mgmt

Regulatory understanding

AI-driven drug discovery

Clinical development planning

Education

PhD/MD or equivalent

Job description

Project Leader / VP, Program Leader – Immunology & Respiratory

Location: East Coast, United States (Preferred)
Employment: Full-Time | Permanent
Level: Senior Director / Vice President
Therapeutic Area: Immunology / Respiratory Diseases
Travel: International Travel Required

Are you an experienced R&D Project Leader with a strong background in immunology, respiratory diseases and early-stage biologics development? This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative, rapidly growing biotechnology company leveraging AI-driven drug discovery and next-generation biologics to develop breakthrough therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs.

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Project Leader to oversee multiple pre-IND programmes, driving development from candidate selection through IND-enabling studies, regulatory submissions and early clinical development. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment, combining strong scientific expertise with cross-functional programme leadership, regulatory knowledge and the ability to influence critical development and portfolio decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead multiple preclinical and early-stage development programmes across immunology and respiratory therapeutic areas.

• Drive programmes from candidate selection through IND-enabling activities, IND/CTA submissions and early clinical development.

• Develop and execute integrated programme strategies, timelines, budgets, milestones and risk mitigation plans.

• Lead cross-functional teams across Biology, Translational Sciences, Protein Engineering, Toxicology, CMC, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Development.

• Oversee the preparation and review of IND/CTA submissions, regulatory briefing materials and health authority responses.

• Guide scientific and development decisions relating to candidate differentiation, indication selection and future portfolio opportunities.

• Identify and manage scientific, regulatory and operational risks to ensure successful programme progression.

• Oversee external CROs, academic collaborators and strategic development partners.

• Integrate AI-driven insights, computational biology and translational science into programme development strategies.

• Present programme updates, development recommendations and investment decisions to senior leadership and governance committees.

Candidate Requirements:

• PhD, MD or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology or a related scientific discipline.

• 7+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience within immunology and/or respiratory research and development.

• Proven experience leading pre-IND and IND-enabling programmes – essential.

• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading IND submissions and advancing therapeutic candidates into clinical development.

• Strong scientific understanding of immune-mediated and/or respiratory diseases, with experience developing therapies within these areas.

• Experience developing biologics, monoclonal antibodies or multispecific antibody therapeutics is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of drug discovery, translational medicine, regulatory requirements and early clinical development.

• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional programmes within a matrix organisation.

• Experience managing CROs, external research partners, programme budgets and development timelines.

• Excellent scientific judgement, strategic leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial biotechnology environment with evolving priorities.

• East Coast US location preferred, with willingness to undertake international travel as required.

What's on Offer?

• Senior leadership opportunity within an innovative, rapidly growing biotechnology company.

• Opportunity to lead multiple immunology and respiratory programmes from preclinical development through IND and into the clinic.

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI-enabled drug discovery, computational biology and next-generation antibody therapeutics.

• Significant influence over programme strategy, candidate progression, indication selection and future pipeline development.

• Opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists, multidisciplinary research teams and strategic biopharmaceutical partners.

• Science-driven, entrepreneurial environment with direct exposure to senior leadership and portfolio decision-making.