(Sr/Exec) Director, Biology (Virology)

(Sr/Exec) Director, Biology (Virology)Location: [Seattle, WA / Bay Area | Hybrid]Company: Stealth-mode Biotechnology CompanyThe RoleThe Director, Biology (Virology) will be a key scientific leader within the discovery organization, responsible for driving virology strategy and execution across all antiviral programs. Will lead hands-on efforts spanning target validation, assay development, candidate profiling, and translational virology, with direct impact on development candidate selection and IND-enabling readiness.Key ResponsibilitiesVirology Strategy & Program LeadershipLead virology efforts across one or more programs, aligning with broader discovery strategy set by senior leadershipDrive target validation and mechanistic understanding of viral infection, pathogenesis, and immune protectionContribute to candidate profile definition (potency, breadth, durability) grounded in viral biology and clinical contextVirology & Antiviral Discovery ExecutionDesign, develop, and oversee virologically relevant assay systems, including:Viral neutralization assays (live virus and pseudovirus)Cell-based infection models using clinically relevant strains and variantsHigh-throughput or medium-throughput screening assays for biologic candidatesLead viral isolate sourcing, propagation, and characterization, including variant panels relevant to clinical strategyDrive mechanistic studies of viral entry, replication, and immune evasionExecute and/or oversee epitope mapping, escape analysis, and resistance profilingIntegrate in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate antiviral activity and translational relevanceDefine and interpret correlates of protection and functional immune readoutsCandidate Advancement & IND-Enabling SupportGenerate decision-quality data packages to support candidate selection and progressionPartner in the design and execution of:In vivo pharmacology and efficacy studiesPK/PD and dose-response characterizationNonclinical safety and toxicology studies (in collaboration with development teams)Ensure virology and pharmacology data are aligned with regulatory expectations for IND-enabling packagesContribute to IND documentation and regulatory interactions as neededExternalized Research & OperationsManage and execute a hybrid internal/external research model, including CROs, academic collaborators, and specialized virology labsServe as a key scientific point of contact for external partners, ensuring high-quality data generation and timelinesMaintain high standards for experimental design, data integrity, and reproducibilityCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with protein sciences, antibody engineering, DMPK, toxicology, and CMC teams to ensure integrated candidate developmentContribute to cross-functional decision-making, balancing potency, breadth, developability, and timelinesCommunicate data and insights clearly to senior leadership and broader teamsScientific EngagementStay current with emerging science in virology, immunology, and antiviral therapeuticsEngage with external experts and KOLs to inform program strategyQualificationsRequiredPhD (or equivalent) in virology, immunology, or related field10-15 years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaDeep expertise in viral biology and in vitro/in vivo virology systemsDemonstrated experience advancing biologic or antiviral programs in discovery and preclinical stagesStrong track record of hands-on experimental leadership and program executionStrongly PreferredDirect experience with antiviral monoclonal antibodies or protein-based therapeuticsExperience with respiratory viruses (e.g., RSV, influenza, coronaviruses)Familiarity with IND-enabling studies and regulatory expectationsExperience working in externally enabled research models (CROs/academic labs)Leadership ProfileScientifically rigorous and detail-oriented, with strong experimental instinctsHighly collaborative, with the ability to influence across functions without formal authorityExecution-focused, with a bias toward clarity, speed, and decision-makingComfortable operating in a lean, fast-moving startup environment

Created: 2026-05-09