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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 kidney disease treatment.
- 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.
Research & Development Director employer: Nexia
Contact Detail:
Nexia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research & Development Director
✨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 industry and may even refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about team management and mentoring in your professional circles. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully built or led teams, as this is crucial for the R&D Director role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest advancements in renal disease research and drug discovery. Being knowledgeable about current trends and breakthroughs will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking abilities by reviewing case studies of successful drug development projects. Be ready to articulate how you would approach the scientific strategy for renal disease at an early-stage biotech like us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research & Development Director
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 Research & Development Director position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your vision for the nephrology research strategy. Discuss how your background in building and mentoring teams can contribute to the company's goals, and mention specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
Highlight Scientific Expertise: Demonstrate your understanding of kidney disease biology and drug development processes. Use specific terminology related to renal physiology and drug discovery to show your depth of knowledge and passion for the field.
Showcase Collaborative Experience: Mention any previous collaborations with academic and clinical opinion leaders. Highlight your ability to build relationships and work with internal stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role. Provide examples of how these collaborations have led to successful outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nexia
✨Showcase Your Scientific Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your PhD research and how it relates to renal disease. Highlight your experience in nephrology drug discovery and be ready to explain complex biological concepts clearly, as this role requires a deep understanding of kidney disease biology.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves building and mentoring a team, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering a high-performance culture and how you handle challenges in a lean biotech environment.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your strategic vision for the R&D department. Be ready to articulate how you would develop and execute a nephrology research strategy, including identifying novel therapeutic targets and overseeing drug discovery processes.
✨Engage with Business Development Insights
Understand the importance of business development in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to diligence efforts on external opportunities and support investor interactions by articulating the scientific rationale behind your projects.
