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Head of Biology (SF Bay Area)

Vilya, Inc.

Head of Biology (SF Bay Area)

Seattle, WA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Vilya is a computational biotechnology company creating a novel class of medicines to precisely target disease biology. We believe computational approaches are an integral, if not foundational, component of drug discovery and development. Our platform is built on ground-breaking research in advanced computational approaches and taps into uncharted chemical space to design new molecular structures not found in nature.

    Our molecules open the door to a brand-new class of medicine with enhanced drug-like properties. We are harnessing the power of our platform to go after previously impossible targets in an array of indications. Vilya’s ultimate goal is to solve some of the most challenging unmet medical needs that exist today.

    Our Vision: Harness a revolution in technology and biology to better human health

    _Our Mission: Build an independent, leading biotech company founded on intelligent drug design to cure the incurable _

    Vilya is seeking a Head of Biology to oversee the development of Vilya’s biology organization and serve as a principle architect of the company’s translational research strategy. This position will report to the Chief Scientific Officer and will have visibility as a key scientific thought leader for the company.

    RESPONSIBILITIES: 

    • Be a key player in selecting compelling molecular targets that synergize with Vilya’s platform. Help build the company’s pipeline strategy, coordinating with colleagues from across the organization..
    • Drive and execute the expansion of Vilya’s Discovery and early translational development pipeline.
    • Build, develop and lead Vilya’s biology team: Knowledge and experience in state of the art instrumentation and building high throughput screening capabilities, develop the next level of biology leaders as managers and scientists, spanning all disciplines of in vitro and in vivo biology.
    • Identify and address resource or expertise gaps needed to establish Vilya as a leader in  biology-driven R&D.
    • Provide guidance and work with project teams to ensure robust program plans that span from target validation through candidate selection 
    • Establish and foster scientific relationships with external scientific leaders/ communities 
    • In collaboration with colleagues from Research and Development, evolve Vilya’s  translational strategy 
    • Build biomarker strategies to monitor disease progression and leverage clinical insights to inform future pipeline programs

     

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Ph.D. in biochemistry, cell biology, or molecular biology required with min 10-15 years of experience 
    • Formal training or direct experience building therapeutic strategies for chronic human diseases (cardiovascular, inflammation, oncology) essential. 
    • Solid understanding of the entire research process from screening through candidate selection, with demonstrated contributions to programs that have progressed into the clinic. 
    • Proven track record of being a results-oriented leader of cross-functional teams. 
    • The successful candidate will have the following leadership attributes: 
    • Strategic Agility: Strategic and big-picture thinker and creative problem solver who can advance Vilya’s mission of moving highly compelling macrocyclic therapeutics into the clinic
    • Communication: Excellent communication skills (both orally and written) is critical to success. Inspires others through thoughtful and effective communication. • 
    • Leadership: Experience leading, motivating, and retaining teams is required.
    • Proven interpersonal skills with ability to influence, resolve conflict and drive decisions among internal cross functional teams, executive management, and external teams. Able to proactively identify and address problems. 
    • Collaboration/Relationship Management: Skilled in establishing a collaborative and respectful team environment. Able to effectively collaborate in and across multiple functions, and with internal and external stakeholders of various backgrounds and skill sets. 
    • Influencing: Demonstrated ability to lead a matrixed team by influence. Proven track record of influencing strategy, initiative(s) implementation, and decision-making. Proactively motivates others to achieve objectives. Able to gain the trust of peers, senior management, and key external advisors. 
    • Decision Making: Strong decision-making and analytical skills required; exercises sound business judgment that has broad organizational impact.
    • Business Excellence: Able to organize people and activities to get things done; knows what to measure and how to measure to ensure progress
    • Align with Vilya’s values of Driven by meaningful change, Trust, Approach with Curiosity, Grassroots Leadership/Impact/Ownership, Resiliency through grit