Senior / Executive Director, Discovery Biology

About Firefly Bio:Who We Are At Firefly Bio, our mission is to redefine cancer treatment. We are developing a new class of therapeutics called Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs), which combine the precision of antibodies with the power of selective protein degraders. Our goal is to unlock new classes of payloads and deliver transformative medicines to patients. Our team operates with Focus, Integrity, Respect, and Energy.Position SummaryThe Senior / Executive Director, Discovery Biology, will be the primary driver of innovation for Firefly Bio's therapeutic pipeline. This leader will be responsible for setting the strategy for novel target identification, validation, and mechanism of action (MoA) studies for our next-generation Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs). They will build and lead a high-performing team focused on advancing promising drug candidates from initial concept to candidate nomination. This position is central to fueling our portfolio and requires a leader passionate about pioneering new biology and translating groundbreaking ideas into tangible preclinical assets.The position is on-site and requires active engagement in leading and mentoring a team of biologists.ResponsibilitiesLead Discovery & Portfolio Strategy: Set the vision for identifying and validating novel drug conjugate targets and guide the development of Firefly's innovative discovery pipeline.Direct Preclinical Biology: Oversee the functional characterization of bioconjugates, from designing in vitro/MoA studies to managing in vivo pharmacology and toxicology studies at CROs.Build & Expand In-House Capabilities: Establish and grow internal capacity for high-throughput screening, MoA characterization, and translational biology.Drive Programs to IND: Provide scientific leadership for IND-enabling packages, contribute expertise to regulatory submissions, and support clinical study planning.Ensure Cross-Functional Execution: Partner with chemistry, translational medicine, and clinical development teams to drive seamless program execution from concept to clinic.Build & Mentor Team: Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team of biologists, fostering scientific talent and future leadership capabilities.Represent Firefly Externally: Serve as a key scientific representative for the company through publications, conference presentations, and strategic collaborations.Requirements and ExperiencePh.D. in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, or related discipline10+ years of industry experience in drug discovery and development with a proven track record of advancing programs through IND; 6+ years in leadership rolesDeep expertise in oncology biology and targeted therapies such as ADCs, degraders, or related bioconjugatesStrong experience leading cross-functional discovery programs, including IND planning and submissionsHands-on leadership experience in designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies for target validation, MoA, and translational biologyDemonstrated leadership in building and managing high-performing teams, with proven success in mentoring and developing scientific talentExperience managing CRO collaborations and external partnerships Experience with IHC and/or proteomics in translational applications strongly preferredStrong external presence with publications, presentations, or industry recognition preferredExcellent oral and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skillsStrong communication, organizational, and strategic problem-solving skills; ability to influence across functions and with executive stakeholders.

Created: 2025-10-01