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Head of Research And Development

Nexia
Leeds
1 day ago
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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.

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National AI Awards 2025

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