About the company
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Nephrology Research based in United States.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute research strategies for rare kidney diseases.
- Identify emerging disease biology, human genetics, clinical insights, therapeutic technologies, and external discoveries.
- Serve as scientific lead for nephrology programs from early concepts through candidate selection, preclinical development, and IND readiness.
- Develop integrated strategies covering target validation, pharmacology, translational research, biomarkers, and early development planning.
- Integrate mechanistic, in vitro, in vivo, human genetic, natural-history, and clinical evidence.
- Establish translational strategies connecting mechanism of action, target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, biomarkers, patient selection, and potential clinical outcomes.
- Evaluate and guide the selection of therapeutic modalities.
- Collaborate with Nonclinical Development, DMPK, Toxicology, Bioanalytical, CMC, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Development, and Regulatory teams.
- Oversee research conducted through academic laboratories, biotechnology partners, CROs, and other external collaborators.
- Identify and cultivate relationships with academic investigators, biotechnology companies, nephrology experts, and other scientific leaders.
- Lead or contribute to scientific due diligence for potential licensing, collaboration, and investment opportunities.
- Identify evidence gaps and recommend confirmatory studies, risk-mitigation strategies, and potential development pathways.
- Represent the organization at scientific conferences, meetings, and external collaborations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline; a PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field is preferred.
- At least 10 years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience, or 6+ years with a PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree.
- Deep expertise in kidney biology, renal physiology, nephrology drug discovery, or the molecular mechanisms of kidney disease.
- Demonstrated ability to translate disease biology, human genetics, and translational evidence into therapeutic hypotheses and executable research plans.
- Proven experience identifying and advancing therapeutic targets or drug-discovery programs through candidate selection or preclinical development.
- Strong experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies.
- Experience establishing and leading collaborations with CROs, academic researchers, biotechnology partners, or scientific consultants.
- Experience working cross-functionally to advance programs toward IND submission or early clinical development.
- Working knowledge of regulatory expectations related to pharmacology and nonclinical packages.
- Expertise in one or more relevant areas such as podocytopathies, glomerular diseases, proteinuric kidney diseases, tubular disorders, or cystic kidney diseases is valued.
- Experience with human genetics, patient-derived samples, organoids, or other advanced model systems is advantageous.
- Familiarity with multiple therapeutic modalities.
- Experience developing translational biomarkers or PK/PD strategies.
- Experience conducting scientific due diligence.
- Demonstrated scientific leadership, sound judgment, and strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and influencing skills.
- Ability to travel approximately 10% domestically and internationally.
- Ability to participate in face-to-face collaboration and onsite work in San Diego as required; the position is not expected to be fully remote.
Conditions
- Target base salary range of $189,000–$246,000 USD.
- Short-term incentive opportunities and long-term incentive compensation.