Vir Biotechnology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on powering the immune system to transform lives by discovering and developing medicines for serious infectious diseases and cancer. Its clinical-stage portfolio includes infectious disease programs for chronic hepatitis delta and chronic hepatitis B infections and multiple dual-masked T-cell engagers across validated targets in solid tumor indications. Vir Biotechnology also has a preclinical portfolio of programs across a range of infectious diseases and oncologic malignancies.

We believe the success of our colleagues drives the success of our mission. We are committed to creating a company passionate about equality, inclusion, and respect. When everyone feels supported and encouraged to give their best, we will collectively deliver outstanding results.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Vir Biotechnology is seeking a seasoned Vice President of Drug Discovery with a specialization in immunology and immuno-oncology to join our dynamic team. Reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), you will play a pivotal leadership role within our research department, serving as a core member of the CSO Leadership Team. In this role, you will provide critical scientific insight and direction for our drug discovery and immuno-oncology strategies across all of Vir’s pipeline.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists and operational experts, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and support to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Through exceptional leadership, you will drive the development of pioneering therapies to combat cancer, guiding the strategy and execution of drug discovery initiatives through all phases of development.

In this role, you will collaborate with a wide range of internal teams and external partners to lead the innovation and advancement of novel cancer immunotherapies. Your extensive expertise in immunology, along with your outstanding leadership and communication skills, will be instrumental in progressing our research efforts and making a significant impact on patients’ lives.

This role is located in our San Francisco headquarters with an expectation of 4 days per week in office.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Leadership: Lead a group of scientists focused on immuno-oncology, offering strategic direction and mentorship to ensure the success of our research initiatives. Inspire and motivate team members to achieve their full potential, providing coaching, and opportunities for growth and development.
• Program Oversight: Oversee the oncology drug discovery pipeline, from early-stage research through preclinical development, ensuring scientific and operational excellence. Play a pivotal leadership role as a standing member of our Research Portfolio Committee to ensure successful progression of our pipeline.
• Strategy: Utilize your extensive experience and expertise in immunology to create overarching strategies for cancer immunotherapies, supporting the preclinical and clinical development of products, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
• Stakeholder and Risk Management: Oversee and manage teams who partner with external collaborations such as academic institutions, contract research organizations, and other partners to discover targets and molecules for advancement. Provide updates to senior leadership on status of program activities/strategies, identify potential risks and challenges related to program activities, and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution of preclinical programs.
• Scientific expertise/innovation: Stay abreast of the latest developments in immune-oncology and drug development, incorporating relevant insights into program strategies.
• Budgeting: Ensure financial resources are effectively allocated and managed to support achievement of the priority objectives for translational biology group.

WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU BRING

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline (immunology and immuno-oncology background strongly preferred) with 15+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, with a focus on immune-therapies for oncology.
• Subject matter expert in cancer immunology with a significant publication record in the field.
• Thorough knowledge and expertise in preclinical drug discovery of large molecules and understanding of the oncology landscape.
• History of building relationships and promoting engagement across all partners, including the senior management, scientific and clinical advisory boards, academic and biopharma partners, and CROs.
• Sound business acumen with a pragmatic, results-oriented leadership style that can translate innovation, creative strategies, and conceptual thinking into plans.
• Prior experience leading large teams and management skills to inspire and develop individuals.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to generate scientific reports and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.