Position Summary The Vice President and Head of Neuroscience is responsible for enterprise leadership of all aspects of driving the neuroscience portfolio. This includes managing exploratory new target selection, generation of in vitro and in vivo data used to develop pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic relationships, and the identification of translational biomarkers to support optimization and clinical development of PROTAC degrader molecules for severe neurologic disorders.
This position reports to the Chief Scientific Officer and will be located at our headquarters in New Haven, CT.
Principal ResponsibilitiesKey responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
- Leads the neuroscience organization with bold new vision, clarity, purpose, and scientific excellence, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration while advancing and prioritizing high-impact programs from discovery through clinical development.
- Builds, leads and inspires a high-performing team through mentorship and development of leadership, scientific and technical capabilities.
- Enables the team to identify, develop, and apply relevant preclinical in vivo models to support target validation, lead identification, and optimization. Uses a deep understanding of disease and target biology to guide key scientific decisions and oversees the development of robust target engagement, pathway biology, and biomarker assays that support preclinical pharmacology and translational research.
- Provides strategic oversight for the design, execution, and interpretation of preclinical pharmacology studies to characterize compound activity, establish pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships, and guide candidate optimization. Leverages study outcomes to support translational strategies, inform human dose projections, and advance programs toward clinical development.
- Collaborates cross-functionally with Research, Translational Sciences, Clinical Development, Regulatory, and Biometrics leaders to define and execute integrated development strategies across the neuroscience portfolio.
- Establishes and leads strategic collaborations with biopharma partners, key scientific investigators, contract research organizations, academic institutions, and external partners to advance translational neuroscience, induced pluripotent stem cell models, biomarker assay capabilities, including assay transfer, method development, qualification, validation, and clinical implementation.
- Provides scientific leadership and strategic oversight for the generation, interpretation, and communication of preclinical pharmacology and translational data to support regulatory submissions, including INDs, CTAs, Investigator Brochures, clinical study protocols, study reports, and laboratory manuals.
- Collaborates across research and development functions to define program strategy, drive execution, and accelerate pipeline progression, leveraging high-quality in vivo pharmacology, biomarker, and translational data to support critical development and portfolio decisions.
- Provides leadership, mentorship, and talent development across the neuroscience organization, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, accountability, and scientific excellence that enables teams to achieve their highest potential.
Qualifications- Established scientific reputation in neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease research, with extensive experience applying quantitative and statistical approaches to evaluate disease-relevant in vivo models and translational biomarker endpoints. Recognized through influential publications, scientific leadership, and a strong network of academic, clinical, and industry collaborators.
- Recognized leader with a strong track record of initiating and cultivating high-value collaborations with academic thought leaders, research consortia, CROs, foundations, and patient advocacy groups to drive scientific innovation, translational research, and therapeutic development in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Leader with extensive experience building and leading multidisciplinary teams focused on preclinical pharmacology and translational medicine, leveraging disease-relevant models and human biomarker data to drive critical development decisions and advance neuroscience programs from discovery through clinical proof of concept.
- Examples of contributions to exploratory neuroscience target selection and demonstrated ability to use in vitro pharmacology data to drive program decisions and portfolio build.
- Clear track record of authoring relevant sections of IND/ CTA documents and contributions to clinical protocol design.
- Proven track record of building, mentoring, and motivating multidisciplinary teams to deliver critical program and portfolio decisions. Demonstrated expertise in neuroscience target discovery and evaluation, leveraging in vitro pharmacology, disease biology, and translational insights to shape development strategies, prioritize assets, and advance innovative therapeutic portfolios.
- Exceptional communicator and proactive leader with a strong work ethic, demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization and the broader neuroscience community, and a proven track record of driving accountability and results. Recognized through scientific publications, presentations, inventions, regulatory contributions, and leadership in advancing portfolio and development objectives.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer-sponsored visa sponsorship. This leadership role operates at the main office of Arvinas 3+ days/ week and in a hybrid work environment, requiring regular engagement across office, laboratory, and remote settings. The successful candidate must be able to effectively lead teams, collaborate across functions, communicate complex scientific concepts, and influence internal and external stakeholders. The role requires the ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform essential job functions, including participation in laboratory and office activities, use of computer and communication technologies, engagement in scientific and strategic discussions, and occasional travel. Compliance with laboratory safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and work around biological and hazardous materials, may be required.
Education - Ph.D., with 15+ years of industry/ biotech leadership experience in neurobiology and pharmacology with clear contributions to clinical candidates.
Arvinas is proud to offer a competitive package of base and incentive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, wellness and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits include group medical, vision and dental coverage, group and supplemental life insurance, and much more. To learn more about Arvinas, please visit www.arvinas.com
