Sr. Director, Discovery Pharmacology

Description

At Viridian Therapeutics, we are focused on developing best-in-class medicines for people living with autoimmune and rare diseases. Leveraging our team’s expertise in antibody discovery and engineering, we have created a robust pipeline of differentiated investigational therapeutic candidates for well-validated targets.

Reporting to the SVP, Research, the Sr. Director, Discovery Pharmacology will provide scientific leadership and management of preclinical pharmacology studies to advance Viridian’s Discovery programs from hit identification through IND filing. This individual will play a critical role in the design, development, and execution of in-vivo and in-vitro studies to screen various biologic platforms, including monoclonal antibodies, to identify leads with desired pharmacological properties in support of candidate nomination and envisioned target product profile. The incumbent will design appropriate screening cascades and oversee CRO’s using hybridoma, single cell screening and display approaches to generate and characterize leads for Viridian discovery programs in rare diseases and autoimmune indications. 

This role may be based in either our Waltham, MA headquarters or Boulder, CO office. Our office-based employees follow a hybrid in-office schedule. Remote work is allowed, and the frequency is at the discretion of management.

Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Lead therapeutic antibody discovery projects in the area of endocrine, autoimmunity and/or inflammatory indications from target nomination to preclinical development by communicating and coordinating cross-functionally within Viridian and with external partners
• Interface with key team members to evaluate feasibility and execution of new and existing projects, including: 

1. Develop preliminary candidate criteria consistent with the envisioned product profile
2. Design and develop in-vivo/in-vitro research plans and pharmacology studies to enable identification of clinical candidates
3. Analyze, interpret, report, and present results of preclinical studies

• Partner with, oversee and manage studies conducted by Contract Research Organizations (CRO’s) and strategic external partners
• Interface with potential partners in support of licensing activities
• Partner with and provide support for non-clinical development activities involving PK, PD, biomarker and toxicology studies
• Contribute to applicable sections for INDs, study protocols and other regulatory and research documents
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional and project teams to advance Viridian’s preclinical programs
• Partner with Legal and Purchasing to ensure required documents, contracts, and PO’s are in place and properly tracked

Requirements

• Requires experience in managing lead identification and optimization, execution of preclinical pharmacology studies and successful regulatory submissions, with a minimum eight (8) years of relevant industrial experience 
• Requires an M.S. or PhD. degree in Pharmacology, Immunology, Endocrinology or equivalent
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to identify and solve project execution challenges using creative approaches
• Experience in discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies highly desired
• Expertise in immunology and autoimmunity highly desirable
• Experience managing CRO activities and multiple studies
• Rare disease experience a plus
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven mindset of proactive continuous improvement
• Efficient independent worker with ability to focus and drive for results
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast paced-environment and to handle multiple tasks
• Strong commitment to ethical standards
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.)
• Ability to travel up to 20% 
• The salary range for this position is $244,012 - $275,428 and commensurate with experience

Viridian offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive pay and stock options for all employees
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of premiums paid by Viridian for employees and their eligible dependents
• Fertility and mental health programs
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Life, Travel and AD&D
• 401(k) Company Match with immediate company vest
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Generous vacation plan and paid company holiday shutdowns
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