Director/Sr. Director—Immunology Research Cutaneous Biology

Role Summary

Director/Sr. Director to drive Cutaneous Biology discovery within the Immunology Research Therapeutic Area, focusing on skin and hair biology to build a robust portfolio of therapeutic candidates for dermatology and aesthetics. Part of a dynamic, cross-functional team focused on scientific innovation in skin and hair biology. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific direction for cutaneous biology discovery research for skin and hair disorders
• Lead the design and execution of research projects focused on skin/hair follicle biology
• Contribute to external innovation and business development (BD) due diligence activities pertaining to skin and hair biology that drive decision making around BD opportunities
• Help identify novel targets based on human causal biology and validate their contribution to skin quality and hair disorders using relevant in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models
• Guide the design, optimization, and implementation of preclinical models that capture translational biology, integrating insights from human tissue profiling data
• Design and implement flow schemes to characterize potential therapeutics for effects on cutaneous biology, leveraging both internal and external resources
• Partner with the Immunology in vivo pharmacology team to execute critical experiments
• Work with a cross-functional team to generate comprehensive data packages that advance novel therapeutic approaches and support Go/No Go decision-making
• Foster a collaborative, creative, and scientifically rigorous team culture committed to excellence and innovation
• Develop team capabilities and ensure appropriate resource allocation

Qualifications

• Required: Degree in PhD, PharmD in immunology, molecular biology, or related scientific discipline
• Required: 10+ years of relevant experience in biotech or pharma
• Preferred: Experience leading discovery research programs from early-stage research through candidate selection
• Preferred: Knowledge of current therapeutic landscape in dermatology and medical aesthetics
• Preferred: Experience with novel therapeutic modalities (cell therapy, genetic medicine, precision medicine, local delivery technologies, etc.)
• Preferred: Experience with IND submission and preclinical data package generation
• Preferred: Deep expertise in cutaneous biology with demonstrated experience in developing complex ex vivo human skin/hair follicle assays and in vivo models of skin/hair disorders
• Preferred: Familiarity with data-driven discovery approaches, including integration of genetic or multi-omics insights
• Preferred: Experience building and managing research projects with proven success in project execution in a multi-disciplinary team environment
• Preferred: High degree of organizational skills, attention to detail, and critical thinking, with ability to prioritize work and meet target timelines
• Preferred: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to drive cross-site collaboration in a matrixed research environment

Education

• PhD or PharmD in immunology, molecular biology, or related scientific discipline