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- Tasks: Lead R&D for renal disease, from target identification to clinical studies.
- Company: Join an innovative early-stage biotech focused on transforming renal health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape groundbreaking therapies while building a high-performance team in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant science with extensive nephrology drug discovery experience required.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers eager to make a real impact in healthcare.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Role Head of R&D will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the scientific strategy for renal disease at an early-stage biotech. The successful candidate will lead efforts from target identification through to preclinical development and into first-in-human clinical studies. The position will involve building and mentoring a team, establishing strategic academic and commercial collaborations, and playing a hands-on role in guiding the company’s first molecule towards the clinic. Scientific and Strategic Leadership Develop and execute the nephrology research strategy, with a focus on identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets. Oversee all aspects of drug discovery and translational research from concept through to IND/CTA submission. Apply scientific and strategic insight to shape a focused portfolio in renal indications. Team Leadership and Development Recruit, mentor and manage a team of discovery scientists, fostering a high-performance culture within a lean biotech environment. Provide scientific direction across in vitro and in vivo models, omics-driven target ID, and biomarker discovery. Partner with internal stakeholders in clinical development, translational medicine, and programme management to ensure seamless progression from discovery to early clinical development. Build and maintain relationships with key academic and clinical opinion leaders in nephrology to support scientific direction and build company visibility. Represent the company at scientific and investor meetings, presenting programme progress and strategic vision. Business Development and Strategy Contribute scientific leadership to diligence efforts on external opportunities that complement the internal pipeline. Support investor interactions and grant applications by articulating the scientific rationale and translational potential of programmes. PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell/Molecular Biology, Renal Physiology, Pharmacology) with significant experience in nephrology drug discovery and translational science. Extensive experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, ideally with exposure to biologics or modality-agnostic discovery strategies. Strong understanding of kidney disease biology, particularly mechanisms underlying proteinuria, fibrosis, and/or tubular dysfunction. Demonstrated success in building and leading research teams, particularly within high-growth or early-stage environments. Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex biological data and make informed, data-driven decisions in an entrepreneurial setting. Experience working with preclinical development, translational biomarker strategy, and early clinical input. able to represent the company to investors, partners, and the scientific community. Familiarity with regulatory standards and translational requirements for progression of biologics or other novel therapies into the clinic.
Head of Research Development employer: Nexia
Contact Detail:
Nexia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the nephrology and biotech sectors. Attend relevant conferences and seminars to meet potential collaborators and mentors who can provide insights into the latest trends and opportunities in renal disease research.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about team dynamics and mentoring experiences. Highlight any previous roles where you successfully built and led research teams, as this will resonate well with our focus on team development.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in kidney disease biology and drug discovery. Being able to discuss recent breakthroughs or ongoing research will demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate your vision for the future of nephrology research. Think about how you would approach building strategic partnerships and collaborations, as well as how you would guide a molecule from discovery to clinical trials.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in nephrology drug discovery and translational science. Emphasise your leadership roles and any successful projects that align with the responsibilities of the Head of R&D position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, articulate your vision for the nephrology research strategy and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive drug discovery efforts.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Showcase any past collaborations with academic and clinical opinion leaders. Discuss how these relationships have contributed to your success in previous roles and how you plan to leverage them in this new position.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Provide examples of how you've made data-driven decisions in your previous roles. Highlight your ability to interpret complex biological data and how it has influenced your strategic direction in research and development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nexia
✨Showcase Your Scientific Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your deep understanding of nephrology and drug discovery. Highlight specific experiences where you've successfully identified therapeutic targets or led projects from concept to clinical studies.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Share examples of how you've built and mentored teams in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to foster a high-performance culture, especially in lean biotech environments.
✨Articulate Strategic Vision
Prepare to explain your approach to developing and executing research strategies. Discuss how you would align scientific direction with business goals, particularly in relation to investor interactions and grant applications.
✨Engage with the Company’s Mission
Research the company’s current projects and strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how your background and vision align with their mission, and how you can contribute to building relationships with key opinion leaders in nephrology.
