Associate Vice President / Vice President (Head)- Discovery Biology

Role : Associate Vice President / Vice President (Head)- Discovery Biology

Reporting To : Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

Job location : Bangalore, India

Role overview :

The Head – Discovery Biology will lead and shape the biology discovery function across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, antibody / ADC, and cell & gene therapy platforms. The role requires a visionary scientific leader with deep expertise in oncology / rare diseases / immunology, and a proven track record of translating cutting-edge science into differentiated therapies. This leader will oversee discovery programs from

target identification and validation through preclinical proof-of-concept and into early clinical development , partnering closely with chemistry, translational sciences, and clinical development teams.

Desired Profile

Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology, Immunology or related field; with post-doctoral experience.

15+ years of experience in drug discovery within biopharma / biotech, including at least 5+ years in senior leadership roles.

Proven track record of advancing multiple programs across therapeutic modalities (small molecules, antibody / ADC, cell & gene therapy) from discovery to IND / early clinical stage.

Demonstrated expertise in oncology, immuno-oncology, or rare diseases.

Strong understanding of target biology, pharmacology, biomarker discovery, and translational sciences.

Experience in managing external collaborations and partnerships.

Leadership Competencies :

Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision with near-term program execution.

Inspirational leader who fosters innovation, accountability, and team development.

Excellent communication and influencing skills across scientific and business stakeholders.

Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and portfolio management abilities.

Key Success Factors

Delivery of high-quality discovery programs that successfully transition to clinical development.

Building a world-class discovery biology function recognized for scientific innovation and productivity.

Effective collaboration across functions and external partners to accelerate pipeline progress.

Establishing the company as a leader in translating biology into transformative medicines.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Define and execute the discovery biology strategy across modalities (small molecules, antibody / ADC, and cell & gene therapy) in alignment with company goals.

Build and maintain a robust pipeline of novel targets and therapeutic candidates.

Drive scientific innovation by integrating emerging technologies, translational insights, and external collaborations.

Program Leadership & Delivery

Oversee multiple discovery programs from target identification, validation, assay development, and lead optimization through IND-enabling studies.

Ensure seamless transition of assets from discovery to preclinical and early clinical development.

Provide scientific direction on mechanism-of-action, disease biology, biomarker discovery, and patient stratification strategies.

Evaluate risks, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure timelines and milestones are achieved.

Functional & People Leadership

Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of discovery biologists, immunologists, and translational scientists.

Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

Attract, develop, and retain top-tier scientific talent.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, protein engineering, pharmacology, toxicology, bioinformatics, translational sciences, and clinical development.

Interface with senior leadership to shape portfolio strategy and make key investment decisions.

Collaborate with external academic institutions, CROs, consortia, and biotech / pharma partners to expand capabilities and accelerate progress.

Scientific Excellence & Governance

Ensure high-quality science, robust data, and compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

Represent Discovery Biology in internal governance forums, program reviews, and portfolio discussions.

Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and thought leadership.