At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Immunology Biology team and drive innovative drug discovery strategies.
- Company: Ailux, a cutting-edge biotech firm focused on AI-driven therapeutics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape future medicines.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Join a visionary team at the forefront of AI-enabled drug discovery.
- Qualifications: PhD in Immunology or related field with extensive industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Ailux is an innovative biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing next-generation biologic therapeutics for chronic respiratory and immunological diseases with high unmet medical need. The company integrates advanced computational approaches with rigorous experimental and translational science across the drug discovery continuum, enabling faster and more informed decision-making from target identification through clinical candidate selection.
As an AI-native biotech and a subsidiary of XtalPi, Ailux combines proprietary computational models with state-of-the-art wet lab capabilities to design differentiated therapeutics against challenging biological targets. The company has established strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical organisations, providing external validation of its scientific platform and discovery capabilities. Looking ahead, Ailux’s vision is to build a fully integrated, end-to-end drug discovery and development organisation capable of delivering the next generation of medicines for patients with chronic respiratory and immunological diseases.
The Role: We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Group Head, Immunology Biology & Program Lead to establish and lead Ailux’s Immunology Biology organization. Reporting to the VP, Head of Biology, Respiratory & Immunology, this individual will play a pivotal role in shaping Ailux's scientific strategy, portfolio direction, and future pipeline growth.
The successful candidate will lead preclinical biology, translational research, and IND-enabling strategies across Ailux's respiratory and immunology portfolio, driving rapid, data-driven progression from target identification through early clinical development for novel biologics, multispecific antibodies, and peptide therapeutics.
Key Responsibilities:
- Scientific Leadership & Strategy: Establish and lead Ailux's Immunology Biology team, defining scientific strategy, operating model, organizational structure, and long-term functional vision. Build, recruit, develop, and inspire a high-performing multidisciplinary biology team spanning discovery biology, translational biology, and project leadership. Define and execute biology strategies supporting both target discovery and program progression from concept through IND and early clinical development. Drive disease biology understanding and establish robust in vitro and in vivo evidence linking targets and mechanisms to clinical outcomes. Influence portfolio prioritization and investment decisions through clear, data-driven, and risk-balanced recommendations. Identify emerging scientific opportunities, new targets, and innovative therapeutic strategies that can expand Ailux's pipeline and competitive differentiation. Ensure rigorous scientific standards, robust experimental design, and high-quality decision-making across all programs.
- AI-Driven Discovery & Platform Integration: Partner closely with AI and computational scientists to maximize the impact of machine learning and computational design approaches. Generate high-quality biological and translational datasets that continuously improve predictive models and accelerate decision-making. Apply deep biological expertise to ensure AI-generated hypotheses, targets, and molecules are biologically meaningful and clinically relevant. Help define new workflows that integrate AI-powered target discovery, biologics design, and translational validation. Champion a data-centric culture that fully exploits the potential of AI to accelerate drug discovery timelines and expand therapeutic innovation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Biology, Protein Engineering, AI Drug Design, Translational Sciences, CMC, Toxicology, Regulatory, and Clinical Development teams to deliver integrated program strategies. Provide immunology leadership for regulatory interactions and documentation, including IND/CTA submissions, briefing packages, and health authority responses. Identify, select, and manage external collaborators, academic partnerships, and CROs to ensure scientific excellence and operational efficiency. Represent biology and immunology expertise in governance and portfolio review forums.
Qualifications, Education & Experience:
- PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline.
- >7-10 years pharmaceutical industry experience in immunology drug discovery and development.
- Demonstrated track record of progressing discovery programs through candidate selection and into clinical development.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and influencing organizational and portfolio decisions within matrixed environments.
- Strong record of scientific innovation, strategic thinking, and translational problem-solving.
- Experience with advanced therapeutic modalities including Monoclonal antibodies, Multispecific antibodies, Engineered biologics, Peptide therapeutics, Long-acting delivery platforms.
- Strong understanding of immune-mediated diseases and evolving therapeutic landscapes.
Leadership Experience:
- Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing scientific organizations.
- Demonstrated success influencing portfolio strategy, investment decisions, and program direction in highly matrixed environments.
- Strong people leadership experience, including recruitment, mentoring, talent development, and succession planning.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-moving biotech environment that values scientific excellence, innovation, ownership, and accountability.
- Passion for transforming drug discovery through AI, computational biology, and data-driven decision-making.
Ideal Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate is a scientifically ambitious leader who combines deep immunology expertise with strategic vision, strong people leadership, and enthusiasm for AI-enabled drug discovery. They are excited by the opportunity to shape both an organization and a portfolio, leveraging next-generation computational technologies to discover and develop transformative medicines for patients with immune-mediated diseases.
Location: UK, Greater London or Cambridge. This role requires international travel.
Senior Director, Biology Group Leader(Immunology and Respiratory Therapeutic Area) in Cambridge employer: Ailux
Ailux is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of biotechnology innovation in the Greater London and Cambridge areas. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, Ailux provides opportunities to lead groundbreaking projects in immunology and respiratory diseases while collaborating with top-tier professionals in a multidisciplinary setting. The company's commitment to integrating AI with drug discovery not only fosters a culture of creativity and excellence but also ensures that employees are part of a mission-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on patient lives worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Biology Group Leader(Immunology and Respiratory Therapeutic Area) in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Ailux. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Ailux!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Biology Group Leader(Immunology and Respiratory Therapeutic Area) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Ailux that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Ailux.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Ailux does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ailux
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Ailux. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Ailux's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Ailux. This shows your passion for the industry!
