Vice President/Senior Vice President, Head of Program Development

Company Overview:

Strand Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company utilizing synthetic biology to genetically program mRNA to deliver truly revolutionary immunotherapies to patients.

Building on the idea of creating smart therapies based on Boolean logic circuits, Strand was started by biological engineers working together at MIT who were seeking to apply the concept of the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics. Strand's technology is therapeutic-area and mRNA modality agnostic where therapeutic proteins are encoded onto modified, self-replicating, or circular mRNA backbones which in turn are programmed with cell-specific sensors and circuits.

Today, Strand has established multiple programmable mRNA platforms with one clinical stage asset and several programs in preclinical development as well as early discovery. Our lead program, STX-001, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors. Our corporate headquarters is located in the Fenway district of Boston, Massachusetts.

Become the next standout single strand!

Job Summary:

Strand is looking to build a team that understands the value of working at a start-up.  Joining Strand now places you alongside the founding executive team and world-leading advisors. We are looking for people who have the enthusiasm and motivation to be a highly contributing member of a small but extremely productive team.  This opportunity will offer the employee the ability to work closely with the founding team and be a part of the growth strategy of the company.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic leader for the role of Head of Program Development. Reporting to the President, Co-Founder & Head of R&D, the Vice President/Senior Vice President, Head of Program Development will play a leadership role in the company’s efforts to move its lead program to Phase 2 as well as advance the company’s product pipeline into the clinic over the next several years. This role will be a part of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the development and oversight of the program strategy and plans for Strand’s lead program, STX-001.
• Provide leadership to achieve key program objectives
• Work with internal program leaders, colleagues, as well as consultants to establish priorities, objectives, and timelines toward achieving program goals. Program activities include planning towards milestones, defining clear go/no go decision points, creating scenario analysis, managing critical path activities, resolving conflicts, proactively identifying issues and opportunities.
• Ensure optimal team effectiveness through collaboration, coaching, and mentoring of team members
• Establish systems, processes, and tools to facilitate planning, decision making, and team alignment across the programs.
• Where needed, identify, select, and manage outside service providers and consultants in support of ongoing development programs.  
• Ensure the effective management of project budgets, including budgeting/forecasting, long-range planning, and budget related decision making.
• Develop and maintain a strong partnership with our internal Head of Regulatory to ensure development and compliance of regulatory strategies at all stages of development and coordinate related activities cross-functionally.
• Manage relationships with internal Head of Quality to ensure performance of our internal and external Quality Assurance partners and contribute to the development and maintenance of working practices and procedures for GxP regulatory compliance.
• Manage and mentor junior Program Management employees in overseeing program progress for preclinical and discovery stage projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline required; Masters, PhD or MD in science a strong plus.
• 10-15+ years of pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry experience; Experience working in a smaller, fast paced environment highly preferred.
• Excellent strategic, planning, communication, and people skills related to clinical-stage drug development
• Demonstrated experience leading project teams (e.g., CMC, non-clinical, regulatory, clinical)
• Experience building and managing collaborations with scientists, CROs, consultants, pharmaceutical partners and outside organizations.
• A broad understanding of drug development as evidenced by a track record of significant contributions to INDs and other regulatory submissions (e.g., BLAs, NDAs)
• Strong leadership skills,which includes experience being part of an executive staff defining the company's mission/direction, providing input for short and long-term strategies and key decisions
• Strong skills in identifying and resolving critical issues, as well as identifying opportunities.
• Strong track record in effectively working with senior management
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Strand offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team-focused small company environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, open PTO, onsite lunch catering, commuter support and more) and work/life flexibility and integration. Being part of the Strand team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to meet Strand’s goals. 

Strand Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law. Strand does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Commensurate with role and experience