Head of Science and Discovery

Confidential Search | Full-time, on-site | Reports to the CEO

About the Opportunity

Our client is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing next-generation therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disease. The platform is built on a novel approach to reprogramming immune signaling pathways — a mechanism that originated in the founder's academic work and was developed in-house to address immunotherapy resistance.

The company was founded by an internationally recognized physician-scientist and is backed by a top-tier syndicate of institutional life sciences investors. Multiple assets are already in Phase 1, spanning both biologic and oral small-molecule modalities across oncology and autoimmune indications.

Critically for this role: the company is well capitalized with multiple years of runway. Programs move forward on the science, not the fundraising calendar.

The Role

This is the leadership seat over the entire preclinical R&D engine — the function that produces the company's next wave of INDs.

There are currently five to six programs in preclinical development. The mandate for year one is clear:

• Advance one program to the doorstep of IND.
• Validate, prioritize, and advance the right programs among the remaining four to five — and make the honest calls about which don't earn further investment.

You will lead the discovery scientists, the translational team, and the vivarium, with a direct line to the CEO and a seat where portfolio strategy is actually decided.

What You'll Do

• Partner with executive leadership to set and execute scientific strategy.
• Own day-to-day operations of the preclinical research organization — discovery, translational, and vivarium.
• Lead multiple independent programs through study design, execution, and candidate evaluation.
• Drive the preclinical package for the next IND-enabling program, and build the data that justifies (or retires) the programs behind it.
• Set the standard for experimental rigor: design, execution, data integrity, and interpretation.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret research data; present conclusions clearly to internal leadership, the board, and external collaborators.
• Ensure scientific documentation (SOPs, work instructions, study records) is properly drafted, reviewed, and maintained.
• Build and develop the team — hiring, training, mentoring, and workload management across a growing group.

What We're Looking For

Our client is open to two profiles: an established R&D leader ready to own a preclinical portfolio, or a rising scientist with real leadership instincts ready to step into their first head-of-function role. Level and reporting line will be calibrated to the person.

Required

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Tumor Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.
• Deep expertise in immunology — T-cell biology, immuno-oncology, and/or autoimmune disease. This is the non-negotiable.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management: you've directed other scientists' work, not just your own.
• Track record running multiple early-stage research programs in parallel, with the judgment to prioritize among them.
• Strong scientific communication — you can defend a program to a skeptical room and explain it to a non-scientist.
• On-site full-time in Montgomery County, MD.

Nice to have

• Industry experience is welcome but not required — strong academic scientists have succeeded here.
• FDA / IND / clinical development experience is a plus.
• Experience with vivarium operations and in vivo model strategy.

The reality of the role: roughly 80-90% off the bench, but this is a company where leaders still know how the assay runs. Expect to work at the bench when a program needs it.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive package including base salary, target bonus, and meaningful equity, plus a 401(k) with company match, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and a flexible vacation policy.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.