At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in immunology and respiratory diseases, driving drug development from concept to clinic.
- Company: Join Ailux, a cutting-edge biotech firm revolutionising therapeutics with AI and advanced science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of AI-driven drug discovery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' lives by advancing next-gen biologics and therapies.
- Qualifications: PhD or MD with 7+ years in biopharma, strong leadership, and drug development experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The CompanyAilux 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.
By combining advanced AI capabilities with deep biological, translational and clinical insight, the company aims to accelerate the development of differentiated therapeutics with meaningful impact for patients worldwide. Backed by an experienced leadership team, leading scientific advisors and a highly multidisciplinary organisation, Ailux is approaching a key inflection point as its first wave of therapeutic programmes advances toward clinical development.
This is an opportunity to help shape the scientific foundations, pipeline and culture of a rapidly growing biotechnology company operating at the intersection of AI, translational science and next-generation therapeutics.
The RoleWe are seeking an accomplished and strategic Project Leader to lead multiple pre-IND programs in the field of immune-mediated and respiratory diseases. Reporting to the VP, Head of Biology R&D, Respiratory & Immunology, this individual will play a pivotal role in advancing preclinical candidates through IND-enabling studies, regulatory submission, and early clinical development while shaping indication strategy, lifecycle management opportunities, and future portfolio growth.
The successful candidate will lead cross-functional matrix teams across respiratory and immunology portfolio, driving rapid, data-driven progression of novel biologics and multispecific antibody therapeutics from candidate selection through IND and into the clinic. This role is responsible for aligning scientific, translational, regulatory, CMC, clinical, and operational functions to deliver program milestones on time and with excellence.
Working at the intersection of AI-driven drug discovery, computational biology, disease biology, and translational and clinical science, you will ensure that deep biological insights, differentiation strategies, and disease relevance are embedded into program progression, development recommendations and portfolio decisions. You will have significant influence on program prioritization, development strategy, and portfolio evolution, helping unlock the full potential of AI-enabled drug discovery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead cross-functional teams through IND-enabling activities, IND submissions, and early clinical development.
- Develop and execute integrated program strategies, timelines, milestones, budgets, and risk mitigation plans.
- Drive scientific and development decisions that maximize program differentiation, value creation, and probability of success.
- Oversee preparation and review of IND/CTA submissions, regulatory briefing materials, and health authority responses.
- Monitor program progress and proactively address scientific, operational, and regulatory risks.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, quality standards, and company policies.
- Provide clear program updates, recommendations, and decision points to senior leadership and governance committees.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Biology, AI Drug Design, Protein Engineering, Translational Sciences, Toxicology, CMC, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Development teams to deliver integrated development strategies.
- Facilitate alignment across internal functions and external partners to ensure efficient program execution.
- Identify, select, and manage CROs, academic collaborators, and strategic partners.
- Represent program and immunology expertise in portfolio reviews, governance forums, and external interactions.
- Champion data-driven decision-making and leverage AI-enabled insights to accelerate drug discovery and development.
Qualifications & Experience
- PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline.
- More than 7 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in immunology and/or respiratory R&D.
- Proven experience leading IND-enabling programs and supporting or leading IND submissions.
- Strong understanding of drug discovery and development, translational medicine, FDA regulations, and global regulatory requirements.
- Understanding of immune-mediated and/or respiratory diseases, demonstrated experience in development of therapies for immune-mediated and/or respiratory diseases.
- Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional programs in a matrix environment.
- Experience advancing biologics and/or multispecific antibody therapeutics is preferred.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
Key Competencies
- Strategic leadership and execution.
- Cross-functional influence and matrix leadership.
- Drug development and regulatory expertise.
- Risk assessment and issue resolution.
- Budget, resource, and vendor management.
- Executive communication and stakeholder engagement.
- Scientific judgment and data-driven decision-making.
- Ability to influence without direct authority.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment.
- Passion for leveraging AI, computational biology, and innovative technologies to R&D.
Location: United Kingdom, Greater London or Cambridge Area. Travel: International travel required.
Senior Director, Project Leader(Immunology and Respiratory Therapeutic Area) in London 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, Project Leader(Immunology and Respiratory Therapeutic Area) in London
✨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, Project Leader(Immunology and Respiratory Therapeutic Area) in London
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!
