Vice President of Research & Development

Vice President of Research & DevelopmentVice President of Research & DevelopmentGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Lunar Therapeutics is on a mission to revolutionize cell therapy for metabolic diseases. As a stealth stage biotech startup, we are pioneering the development of cellular medicines through cutting-edge advancements in SC-islet manufacturing, organoid biology, and transplantation. Our team is composed of leaders in stem cell research, gene editing, and bioprocessing, working collaboratively to push the boundaries of therapeutic innovation. We foster a fast-paced, mission-driven culture that values scientific excellence, adaptability, and teamwork.The Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) will provide strategic and operational leadership for Lunar Therapeutics’ scientific programs, overseeing discovery, process sciences, preclinical development, and translational research. The VP will guide the advancement of iPSC-derived cell therapy programs for diabetes, with a particular emphasis on the differentiation of PSCs into functional beta cells and related lineages.This position requires a leader with deep technical expertise in PSC-to-beta cell differentiation, and who can integrate cutting-edge science with translational strategy, driving programs from early-stage research through IND-enabling studies. The VP of R&D will manage multidisciplinary teams, foster a culture of innovation, and ensure that all activities align with corporate objectives and regulatory expectationsKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic and Technical LeadershipAlong with executive leadership, define and execute the company’s R&D strategy to deliver curative diabetes cell therapiesLead the scientific direction of programs from discovery through preclinical and IND-enabling stagesOversee research in PSC differentiation, beta cell maturation, pancreatic lineage and other relevant cell type specification, allogeneic cell therapy strategy, and iPSC gene editingGuide integration of process sciences, analytical development, and translational research into cohesive development plansIdentify emerging technologies and partnerships that can accelerate program advancementRepresent the company in scientific, regulatory, and investor meetingsPeople ManagementBuild, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of scientists, engineers, and technical staffFoster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvementSet clear performance goals and provide ongoing feedback to ensure individual and team successRecruit and retain top-tier talent in relevant scientific disciplinesDevelop training and succession plans to strengthen technical and leadership capabilities across the teamProject ManagementPartner with other senior leaders to define project scopes, timelines, budgets, and deliverables in alignment with corporate prioritiesImplement best practices in project planning, tracking, and risk managementSupport integration between R&D, clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, and business functionsProvide regular project status updates and recommendations to executive leadership during early stages, transitioning responsibilities as the organization growsSite Head ResponsibilitiesOversee facility operations, laboratory management, and environmental health and safety (EHS) activitiesCoordinate with dedicated staff, contractors, and facility managers to ensure compliance and operational readinessEnsure site-level operational excellence and a safe working environmentExternal Collaboration and PartnershipsEstablish and manage productive relationships with CDMOs, CROs, academic collaborators, and/or industry partnersLeverage external partnerships to expand process sciences capabilities and accelerate development timelinesServe as a scientific lead in partner and alliance management discussionsQualificationsPhD in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Bioengineering, or related discipline, or equivalent advanced degree with relevant industry experience10+ years of progressive leadership in biotech or pharma R&D, with significant experience in diabetes cell therapy researchProven track record in developing, optimizing, and scaling PSC-to-beta cell differentiation processesStrong understanding of allogeneic cell therapy strategies, iPSC gene editing, pancreatic lineage specification, beta cell maturation, functional assessment, and preclinical animal modelsDemonstrated success leading programs from discovery through IND submissionExperience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with CDMOs, academic groups, and industry partnersExcellent communication, leadership, and strategic planning skillsDemonstrates strategic thinking with strong execution capabilitiesLeads and inspires high-performing team members to achieve ambitious goalsIntegrates discovery, process sciences, and translational research into unified development strategiesCollaborates effectively across internal teams and external partnershipsBuilds and sustains a positive, collaborative, and high-performance team cultureAdapts readily to uncertainty, ambiguity, and evolving priorities in a small company environmentDemonstrates resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity in addressing complex technical and organizational challengesConsistently models a professional demeanor, demonstrating integrity, respect, and composure in all interactionsSeniority levelSeniority levelExecutiveEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Lunar Therapeutics by 2xGet notified about new Vice President Research And Development jobs in San Diego, CA.Director R&D – Clinical Assay/CDx DevelopmentSenior Director – Clinical Research & Development, CounselMechanical Engineering Vice President - SC EngineersAssistant Vice President, Plumbing Engineering - BuildingsAssistant Vice President, Plumbing Engineering - BuildingsWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-10-06