Senior Director, AIRx Biologics Discovery Lead
$212,000–$333,190 year
Hybrid · Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Lead end-to-end biologics discovery for multiple programs from target and modality selection through candidate nomination, preclinical development transition, and IND filing. Drive discovery strategy across antibodies, bispecifics, and fusion proteins with clear CMC and clinical-line-of-sight. Integrate AI-driven protein design, computational modeling, and high-throughput platforms to accelerate cycle times and improve design quality. Oversee external CROs/CDMOs to ensure delivery of high-quality, decision-ready data on aggressive timelines. Represent AIRx externally and assess platform technologies and external assets. Requires a proven track record of leading at least 2 biologic discovery programs to clinic and a PhD (or equivalent) with 15+ years of industry experience, including 10+ years in scientific leadership. The role will be based in Cambridge, MA, with hybrid work arrangements; compensation includes base salary range of $212,000–$333,190 and benefits. The position emphasizes AI-enabled biologics discovery, cross-functional collaboration with protein engineering, CMC, toxicology, and translational biology, and strategic partnerships with CROs and CDMOs.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree in protein biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, immunology, or related life sciences (PhD, MD, or DVM); PhD strongly preferred; 15+ years of industry experience with deep subject matter expertise in biologic drug discovery; at least 10 years in scientific leadership roles within large molecule programs
- Proven track record leading 5+ biologic programs across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination or beyond; minimum 2 biologic INDs required (antibody, bispecific, or fusion protein programs preferred)
- Deep knowledge of the biologic drug discovery and development process: target identification, discovery campaign strategies, lead optimization, developability assessment, and IND-enabling CMC and toxicology activities
- Expertise in protein engineering principles: affinity maturation, CDR optimization, Fc engineering, bispecific/multispecific antibody formats
- Strong AI/ML fluency and digital-forward scientific mindset; hands-on experience integrating generative protein design tools and ML-guided sequence optimization into biologics discovery workflows
- Solid understanding of large molecule DMPK; PK/PD modeling; developability considerations; expression systems (CHO, HEK); purification; analytical characterization
- Excellent and inclusive leadership; able to inspire cross-functional teams towards ambitious goals
- Exceptional communication skills; able to convey complex large molecule science to senior governance audiences
- Demonstrated success of strategic partnerships with CRO and CDMOs; regulatory and commercial awareness
- Additional information: based in Cambridge, MA; hybrid work policy
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