Head of Research And Development

Job Role

Head of R&D will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the scientific strategy for renal disease at an early-stage biotech. The successful candidate will lead efforts from target identification through to preclinical development and into first-in-human clinical studies. This role requires deep expertise in nephrology, with a strong grounding in biologics or novel therapeutic modalities. The position will involve building and mentoring a team, establishing strategic academic and commercial collaborations, and playing a hands-on role in guiding the company’s first molecule towards the clinic.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific and Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the nephrology research strategy, with a focus on identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets.
• Oversee all aspects of drug discovery and translational research from concept through to IND/CTA submission.
• Apply scientific and strategic insight to shape a focused portfolio in renal indications.

Team Leadership and Development

• Recruit, mentor and manage a team of discovery scientists, fostering a high-performance culture within a lean biotech environment.
• Provide scientific direction across in vitro and in vivo models, omics-driven target ID, and biomarker discovery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal stakeholders in clinical development, translational medicine, and programme management to ensure seamless progression from discovery to early clinical development.
• Support alliance management with CROs and external collaborators to access essential expertise, platforms, and preclinical models.

External Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with key academic and clinical opinion leaders in nephrology to support scientific direction and build company visibility.
• Represent the company at scientific and investor meetings, presenting programme progress and strategic vision.

Business Development and Strategy

• Contribute scientific leadership to diligence efforts on external opportunities that complement the internal pipeline.
• Support investor interactions and grant applications by articulating the scientific rationale and translational potential of programmes.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell/Molecular Biology, Renal Physiology, Pharmacology) with significant experience in nephrology drug discovery and translational science.
• Extensive experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, ideally with exposure to biologics or modality-agnostic discovery strategies.
• Proven track record of leading drug discovery programmes from target validation through to IND/CTA-enabling studies.
• Strong understanding of kidney disease biology, particularly mechanisms underlying proteinuria, fibrosis, and/or tubular dysfunction.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading research teams, particularly within high-growth or early-stage environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex biological data and make informed, data-driven decisions in an entrepreneurial setting.
• Experience working with preclinical development, translational biomarker strategy, and early clinical input.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills; able to represent the company to investors, partners, and the scientific community.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and translational requirements for progression of biologics or other novel therapies into the clinic.