Job Role
Head of R&D will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the scientific strategy for renal disease at an early-stage biotech. The successful candidate will lead efforts from target identification through to preclinical development and into first-in-human clinical studies. This role requires deep expertise in nephrology, with a strong grounding in biologics or novel therapeutic modalities. The position will involve building and mentoring a team, establishing strategic academic and commercial collaborations, and playing a hands-on role in guiding the company’s first molecule towards the clinic.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific and Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the nephrology research strategy, with a focus on identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets.
- Oversee all aspects of drug discovery and translational research from concept through to IND / CTA submission.
- Apply scientific and strategic insight to shape a focused portfolio in renal indications.
Team Leadership and Development
Recruit, mentor and manage a team of discovery scientists, fostering a high-performance culture within a lean biotech environment.Provide scientific direction across in vitro and in vivo models, omics-driven target ID, and biomarker discovery.Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with internal stakeholders in clinical development, translational medicine, and programme management to ensure seamless progression from discovery to early clinical development.Support alliance management with CROs and external collaborators to access essential expertise, platforms, and preclinical models.External Engagement
Build and maintain relationships with key academic and clinical opinion leaders in nephrology to support scientific direction and build company visibility.Represent the company at scientific and investor meetings, presenting programme progress and strategic vision.Business Development and Strategy
Contribute scientific leadership to diligence efforts on external opportunities that complement the internal pipeline.Support investor interactions and grant applications by articulating the scientific rationale and translational potential of programmes.Required Qualifications
PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell / Molecular Biology, Renal Physiology, Pharmacology) with significant experience in nephrology drug discovery and translational science.Extensive experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, ideally with exposure to biologics or modality-agnostic discovery strategies.Proven track record of leading drug discovery programmes from target validation through to IND / CTA-enabling studies.Strong understanding of kidney disease biology, particularly mechanisms underlying proteinuria, fibrosis, and / or tubular dysfunction.Demonstrated success in building and leading research teams, particularly within high-growth or early-stage environments.Preferred Qualifications
Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex biological data and make informed, data-driven decisions in an entrepreneurial setting.Experience working with preclinical development, translational biomarker strategy, and early clinical input.Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills; able to represent the company to investors, partners, and the scientific community.Familiarity with regulatory standards and translational requirements for progression of biologics or other novel therapies into the clinic.