Vice President – Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control

About Us

Korsana Biosciences is a private biopharmaceutical company advancing a pipeline of potential best-in-class therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.  In partnership with Paragon Therapeutics, we have developed Therapeutic Targeting (THETA™), a novel blood-brain barrier-penetrant shuttle platform designed to enable dramatically higher drug concentration inside the brain and overcome the limitations of earlier shuttle technologies. Our lead program is KRSA-028, an investigational, shuttled antibody targeting amyloid beta designed to be a best-in-class treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Our mission is to advance precision-engineered therapies, designed to address some of the biggest unmet needs in medicine. For more information, please visit www.korsana.com

Position Overview

The Vice President of CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control) at Korsana Biosciences will develop, implement, and execute CMC strategy in support of a best-in-class portfolio of preclinical and clinical programs. This leader will oversee the planning and execution of outsourced CMC activities including biologics technical development, cGMP manufacturing, release and stability testing, and will work proactively with external suppliersincluding CDMOs and contract labs to define project scope, mitigate risks, and ensure successful delivery with regard to technical quality, timelines and budget. The VP will partner closely with Research, Supply Chain, Clinical, Quality, Regulatory, and Program Management to deliver quality products for preclinical studies and clinical trials and Module 3 Quality for regulatory submission and approval. The position requires strategic vision and hands-on experience managing early-stage biotech programs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and execute CMC strategy for biologics technical development including drug substance, drug product, combination product, analytical methods, cGMP manufacturing, and product release and stability testing
• Provide technical leadership and oversee biologics product development, scale-up and tech transfer and analytical method development, qualification and validation with CDMOs and contract labs. 
• Build, maintain and evolve the CMC function to align with the growth of company’s pipeline
• Lead the selection of CDMOs and contract labs, contract negotiation, and budget/scope management.
• In partnership with QA, support deviation investigations and associated CAPAs implementation.

• Author and review CMC sections, Module 3 Quality, of global regulatory submissions (IND/IMPD/BLA/MAA).
• Ensure product supply for clinical and preclinical studies
• Establish and maintain an understanding of current trends and emerging biologics development and manufacturing technologies to ensure that the team is at the forefront of biologics CMC.
• Responsible for establishing and managing objectives/priorities and budgets for the CMC function
• Develop and maintain SOPs, policies, and guidance documents relevant to areas of responsibility.
• Regularly update executive management with respect to CMC deliverables and timelines

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in (bio)chemistry, (bio)chemical engineering (or other relevant physical or life sciences disciplines) or MS/BS with equivalent education or experience is required.
• A minimum of 15+ years of experience in biologics development and manufacturing in biotech or biopharma industry with at least 5 years as CMC head.
• Experience in a fast paced, high-growth startup environment is preferred
• Hands-on working experience in successful IND/IMPD/BLA/MAA submissions and approval

Skills & Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and execute CMC strategy for biologics
• Proven track record of CDMOs management in supporting biologics technical development and cGMP manufacturing.
• Proven leadership capability in developing, coaching, leading and inspiring team members within CMC function
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach; comfortable balancing long-term planning with day-to-day execution
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence across levels and functions
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to distinguish between critical and non-critical priorities

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $300,000 - $340,000. This role may also be eligible for a target annual bonus and equity-based compensation, as well as participation in the company’s benefit programs. Actual compensation will depend on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.

Korsana Biosciences is the sixth groundbreaking company launched by Paragon Therapeutics, a premier biotech incubator founded by Fairmount Funds in 2021, known for its expertise in discovering and developing cutting-edge therapeutic assets in-house.

__

Korsana Biosciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.