JOB SUMMARY
Iambic Therapeutics is seeking a scientific leader with deep expertise in immunology and immunopharmacology to join the Biology group as Director or Senior Director. This individual will define and execute biology strategies for small-molecule discovery programs, translating disease and immune biology into robust in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo evidence packages that guide medicinal chemistry from hit identification through development candidate nomination and IND-enabling studies. The successful candidate will lead project teams, set scientific direction, and drive cross-functional decision-making with Chemistry, DMPK, Safety, Translational, and Computational teams. The role will also partner with Iambic's AI/ML scientists to apply computational approaches that accelerate hypothesis generation, data interpretation, and program decisions. Level will be determined by experience and demonstrated scope. This role is based at our San Diego headquarters.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Program and cross-functional leadership: Lead immunology strategy from target validation and hit identification through lead optimization, development candidate nomination, and IND-enabling studies, integrating disease biology with SAR, DMPK/PK/PD, safety, target engagement, and translational biomarkers.
- In vitro and ex vivo strategy: Oversee disease-relevant studies using primary human immune cells, whole blood/PBMCs, and tissues to assess mechanism, potency, selectivity, target engagement, and immune function while accounting for donor variability and biological context.
- In vivo and translational strategy: Define and oversee efficacy, mechanistic, and PK/PD studies, including model and species selection, endpoints, exposure-response relationships, tissue pharmacology, and translation to human biomarkers; critically interpret results.
- Team and partner leadership: Manage and develop scientists and associates, oversee CROs and other partners, and ensure clear goals, timelines, budgets, deliverables, data quality, and appropriate SOP- and GLP-aligned practices while fostering an inclusive, high-trust team.
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in immunology or a related field, with substantial immunology training and typically 15+ years of relevant experience, including significant industry experience in small-molecule discovery.
- Track record leading cross-functional small-molecule programs from hit identification through development candidate nomination, with ownership of biology strategy, stage gates, and milestones; IND-enabling experience is valued.
- Deep expertise in innate and/or adaptive immunology and extensive experience with primary-cell and ex vivo studies, including multiparameter flow cytometry and relevant functional readouts.
- Experience designing and interpreting in vivo efficacy, pharmacodynamic, and mechanistic studies, including model selection, PK/PD, species translation, and biomarker strategy.
- Experience developing and transferring robust assay cascades to CROs or automation/HTS platforms, using orthogonal assays and counterscreens to confirm on-target activity and control for donor variability and assay artifacts.
- Strong people leadership and executive communication skills, including mentoring, performance management, team development, and data-driven recommendations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using patient-derived samples, translational biomarkers, and high-dimensional data to bridge preclinical and clinical studies.
- Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled drug discovery and collaboration with computational biology, data science, or cheminformatics teams.
PAY AND BENEFITS
We offer industry-leading competitive pay, company-paid healthcare, flexible spending accounts, voluntary life insurance, 401(k) matching, and uncapped vacation to our team. We are in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in beautiful San Diego with an onsite gym, dining, and easy access to great places to live and play.
