Director, Obesity and Metabolic Diseases
$214,100–$337,000 year
On-siteSouth San Francisco, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead discovery research in obesity and metabolic diseases, executing priorities from target identification through preclinical candidate nomination by leveraging human biology, translational science, and emerging technologies. Provide scientific leadership for drug discovery programs by partnering across chemistry, pharmacology, safety, and development functions to inform program priorities and advance initiatives through key milestones. Identify and advance novel therapeutic opportunities by integrating insights from human genetics, clinical research, and the external competitive landscape while maintaining deep expertise in obesity and metabolism. Lead a high-performing scientific team by fostering a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous talent development. Contribute to external innovation evaluation, business development, and partnership strategies that enhance the portfolio. Represent the team through publications, presentations, due diligence activities, and cross-functional scientific forums.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D., M.D., or Ph.D./M.D. in endocrinology, metabolism, physiology, pharmacology, biology or a related scientific discipline
- Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in obesity, diabetes, MASH, or related therapeutic areas in academia and/or industry
- Demonstrated track record of scientific innovation
- Leadership of research programs
- Contributions to basic and/or translational research efforts
- Deep expertise in metabolic disease biology and target validation
- Strong understanding of human genetics, biomarkers, and the integration of preclinical and clinical data to inform drug discovery decisions
- Proven success leading scientific teams and discovery initiatives in a matrix environment
- Ability to manage priorities, collaborate across functions, influence stakeholders, and deliver results
- Broad experience with in vitro and in vivo models of obesity and metabolic disease
- Experience with contemporary therapeutic modalities and innovative technologies relevant to drug discovery
- People leadership experience, including managing, coaching, and developing scientific teams
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a high-performing team
- Ability to foster employee engagement
- Ability to develop talent through mentorship, performance management, and succession planning
- Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to effectively engage leaders, cross-functional partners, and external collaborators
- Demonstrates strategic thinking and scientific judgment
- Ability to translate complex data into clear decisions that advance program and team objectives
- Ability to build trust, alignment, and strong partnerships across functions
- Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture
- Ability to develop and empower talent through effective coaching, mentorship, and succession planning
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrix organization
- Ability to influence across functions while maintaining a strong focus on execution, innovation, and patient impact
- Demonstrates the highest standards of scientific integrity, ethics, diversity, and accountability
- Ability to champion excellence and continuous improvement
- Valid driving license
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in pharmacology, including the design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo studies to support target validation, mechanism-of-action investigations, and therapeutic development
- Exceptional candidates from academia with a distinguished record of scientific achievement and research leadership are encouraged to apply, even without prior industry experience
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