Vividion Therapeutics seeks a decisive yet collaborative leader with deep translational and early clinical development experience in immunology to drive forward its pipeline of novel small-molecule precision medicines and build a first-class team. The S/VP, Immunology will be a highly visible leader within Vividion, responsible for both strategy and execution and accountable for the successful development of the company’s immunology-focused assets. The ideal candidate will have the following mix of personal and professional characteristics:
- MD/PhD or MD; specialty training in immunology, and preferably in gastroenterology, rheumatology, and/or dermatology, is highly desired
- Substantial translational and early clinical development experience, ideally with small-molecule precision medicines, in an industry setting
- Strong background in basic science
- Track record of delivering key milestones in clinical studies
- A combination of strategic acumen and operational experience
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Founded in 2013 by award-winning scientists at the Scripps Research Institute, Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company using novel discovery technologies to unlock high-value targets with precision therapeutics for devastating cancers and immune disorders. Vividion is a global leader in chemproteomics, covalent chemistry, and other enabling technologies. Based on breakthrough science, Vividion’s proprietary platform focuses on the approximately 90% of validated protein targets currently characterized as “undruggable.” The company has uncovered hundreds of cryptic functional pockets on potential targets of interest. In August 2021, Bayer AG purchased Vividion, with a record-shattering valuation of $2 billion. The arm’s length relationship with Bayer provides contractually guaranteed funding through 2024 and expected funding in perpetuity. Significantly, Vividion will maintain its independence from Bayer, thus making this a “best of both worlds” opportunity to innovate in an entrepreneurial and agile biotech environment, but with the dedicated resources, connections, and financial strength of a respected global pharma enterprise.
THE POSITION
This position is ideal for the clinical development leader seeking:
- Breakthrough science with a recognized global leadership position in chemoproteomics and covalent chemistry
- A proprietary platform enabling the discovery and development of first-in-class precision medicine targets
- A broad, strategically interesting pipeline focused on devastating diseases in multiple therapeutic areas
- A world-class Scientific Advisory Board
- Close ties with highly respected academic technology pioneers
- An extraordinarily well financed enterprise that lacks the distractions of fundraising and investor maintenance
- An organization in high-growth mode with the need for strategic leadership
- A healthy, vibrant culture
- New, spacious facilities
Key responsibilities include:
- Set the strategic vision for clinical development of a growing portfolio of assets with immunology indications
- Over time, build and lead a team of medical directors and clinical scientists devoted to clinical development
- Design and execute on compound development plans for all assets in existing and new immunology indications
- Provide specific therapeutic area expertise to enhance innovation and efficiency in clinical trial design and execution
- As the medical leader of asset-specific team(s), participate in all aspects of the overall product strategy, drive the clinical development strategy, and assume primary accountabilities for all aspects of the design and execution of that strategy
- Communicate effectively and build productive relationships with external consultants and collaborators, CRO partners, key opinion leaders, investigators, and various committee members
- Oversee the writing of all critical program documents, including but not limited to study protocols, the investigators’ brochure, regulatory filings and submissions, abstracts, manuscripts and publications, and clinical study reports
- Actively participate in strategic planning and internal and external partnering discussions, as well as presentations to the Board of Directors
- Work with the CMO and other senior leaders to orchestrate and manage regulatory strategies and interactions with health authorities
- Provide medical, disease-specific, and development perspective into specific research programs or broader research initiatives
- Serve as a medical monitor as necessary, with responsibilities including oversight of trial subject safety and clinical data review and interpretation
- Develop, and help build among the clinical development group, a deep understanding of the clinical and competitive environment Provide medical and drug development analysis, critique, and interpretation of business development due diligence initiatives as required
- Provide scientific, clinical development, and medical input into all other program documents in support of the compound development plan, including but not limited to informed consent forms (ICF), case report forms (CRF), statistical analysis plans (SAP), and clinical pharmacology/translational medicine plans
- Ensure that all clinical development activities are conducted in compliance with GCP and company SOPs
- Provide medical and drug development analysis, critique, and interpretation of business development due diligence initiatives as required
- Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across the organization
- Drive for excellence by continually seeking and implementing innovative solutions, create a culture that thrives on learning and inspire people to stretch beyond their comfort zone, and take well-reasoned risks
- Mentor and develop leaders within the clinical development function
The ideal candidate will have the following mix of personal and professional characteristics:
- MD/PhD or MD; specialty training in immunology, and preferably in gastroenterology, rheumatology, and/or dermatology, is highly desired
- Substantial translational and early clinical development experience, ideally with small-molecule precision medicines, in an industry setting
- Strong background in basic science
- Track record of delivering key milestones in clinical studies
- A combination of strategic acumen and operational experience
- Ability to build and develop high-performing teams
- Experience managing CROs and other external consultants
- Insatiable curiosity and exceptional creativity in addressing challenges
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills (both formal and informal) directed towards driving collaboration, achieving results, influencing, and reaching consensus among internal and external stakeholders
- The demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and build partnerships across a sophisticated organization
- Visibility in and credibility with relevant medical communities
- A working knowledge of biostatistics, clinical operations, translational sciences, clinical pharmacology and other technical disciplines and processes intimate with the drug development process
- Strong interpersonal, organization, and planning skills
- Experience collaborating with industry and academic partners
- A passion for and track record of mentoring and developing industry professionals