Director, New Target Strategy

Role: Director of New Target Strategy leading early discovery in biopharma, focusing on rare, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases. Objectives include target identification, scientific diligence, and validation to support portfolio development through internal research and external partnerships. Responsibilities encompass leveraging human genetics, genomics, and disease biology to prioritize novel targets, evaluating disease mechanisms and competitive landscapes to inform strategy, and designing validation approaches with in vitro, in vivo, and translational models. The role involves assessing target feasibility, biological plausibility, and differentiation, preparing data-driven recommendations for senior leadership, and ensuring targets are development-ready. Requirements include a Ph.D. in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology, or related field with 10+ years’ discovery research experience, demonstrated leadership in target ID and validation within immunology or cardiovascular areas, and experience in scientific diligence. Preferred skills involve translating human biology insights into actionable targets, designing integrated validation strategies, and familiarity with emerging AI tools. The position emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with research, CMC, translational, and safety teams, and is based in Lexington, MA with onsite work requirements. Focus areas include immunology, inflammation, and cardiovascular indications, with an emphasis on early discovery and validation to support subsequent development stages.