Senior Director, Biology Group Leader(Immunology and Respiratory Therapeutic Area) in Cambridge

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.